PHOENIX — Authorities have arrested a Valley man suspected of impersonating a police officer and attempting to detain a civilian at a local gas station.
Anthony Harper, 22, was taken into custody earlier this week by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office after a security guard noticed him trying to detain someone near 111th and Grand avenues.
The security guards recorded a video of Harper allegedly arresting and searching an individual, MCSO said. The suspect could be heard in the video identifying himself as "Officer Harper with the state of Arizona," court records show.
The man detained by Harper told investigators he thought Harper was a real police officer by the way he presented himself.
Deputies confirmed Harper is not a certified peace officer in Arizona and took him into custody, MCSO said. Harper told investigators he felt he was acting within his purview as "a bail bonds recovery agent," though MCSO noted that the defendant didn't have the proper documentation to detain someone.
Harper's current place of employment listed on court records is a forestry service company.
Court records show Harper is now facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful imprisonment.
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