A convicted felon faces serious criminal impersonation charges after allegedly posing as a police officer at multiple emergency calls in Washington. Authorities said the incident raised public safety concerns and highlighted risks from individuals misrepresenting law enforcement. Criminal impersonation has become a growing concern nationwide, according to experts.
Police reported that 49-year-old Michael A. Scaletta-Teates showed up at active emergency scenes. He wore body armor labeled “POLICE” and “SWAT” and displayed a metal badge from Edmonds, a nearby city. He also drove an unmarked vehicle equipped with blue lights.
Scaletta-Teates told responding officers that he worked as an off-duty detective in Edmonds. Officers initially accepted his explanation. However, body camera footage shows their doubts grew after he arrived at a trespassing call and a parking garage fire. One officer said, “I thought you were one of our detectives at first.”
Authorities later discovered that Scaletta-Teates was not a police officer. Instead, he worked as a private security guard for a local business. Police confirmed that he had engaged in law enforcement activities in downtown Bremerton without authorization.
Witnesses reported that Scaletta-Teates acted threateningly and claimed authority over local homeless shelters. He also confronted people at a convenience store after 911 calls. Neighbors said they believed he was a legitimate officer for months due to his appearance and demeanor.
Police noted that Scaletta-Teates had a prior felony conviction. When officers arrested him, they found a firearm and a significant amount of police gear. He was charged with first-degree criminal impersonation and second-degree unlawful firearm possession. Scaletta-Teates pleaded not guilty in court, and a judge set bail at $50,000.
Experts warn that criminal impersonation undermines public trust in law enforcement. Former law enforcement officials said the man looked authentic, making it difficult for laypeople to recognize the deception. Authorities encourage the public to verify officers’ credentials and remain cautious during interactions.
The Bremerton Police Department has asked anyone who may have had suspicious encounters with Scaletta-Teates to contact them. Officers also advised taking steps to confirm an officer’s identity, including asking for a badge number, calling 911, or requesting a second officer. Criminal impersonation cases like this highlight the importance of public awareness and law enforcement vigilance.
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