By Khalida Sarwari
A 27-year-old San Jose man has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer in Atascadero earlier this week, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
About 3:15 a.m. Monday, an Atascadero police officer on patrol noticed an unmarked police car near a Shell gas station with a man inside who looked like he was talking on a mobile radio, according to police.
The officer questioned the man, who was wearing a California Highway Patrol cap, and determined he was not a police officer or affiliated with a law enforcement agency, police said.
Inside the black 2001 Crown Victoria, the officer found a loaded pistol, handcuffs, multiple badges, several “air soft” pistols and holsters, and an expandable police baton. Additionally, the officer recovered collectable coins and jewelry inside the car.
The car also had a dashboard camera, front and rear strobe lights, a siren, a mobile data computer, radios and a prisoner screen.
The driver, identified as Mark Ryan Polini, was arrested and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail for possession of a concealed and loaded firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon – the baton – and impersonating a peace officer. He is being held on $20,000 bail.
Polini is believed to be unemployed, police said. The CHP has been notified about the case.
Police believe there may be victims in Santa Clara County who have been pulled over by Polini. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Rochelle Hanson (805) 470-3214.