The Antioch Police Department announced the arrest of a man over the weekend who was impersonating a police officer.
The police department did not release the mans name or time of the incident, but did release clips of the traffic stop for entertainment purposes on social media–they claim, however, it was for “educational” purposes and potentially identify other victims.
Here is what Antioch Police stated online:
Imitation may be the greatest form of flattery… but impersonating the police is a crime.
This weekend, Officer Yega and his K9 partner Loki were traveling on A Street when they spotted a red pickup truck equipped with police-style lights pulling cars over. The self-appointed “officer” was a bit shocked when the real police showed up, and he immediately pulled over. When questioned, the driver claimed he bought the lights The driver was arrested, booked into jail, and the truck was towed away. TikTok cops will not be tolerated in Antioch
On a serious note: If you’re ever unsure whether you’re being stopped by a real police officer, you can always call 9-1-1. A dispatcher will confirm the officer’s identity and ensure your safety. If you believe you’ve had an encounter with the red pickup truck or the suspect involved in this incident, please call 925-778-2441 and let us know.
According to the arrest record, the man was arrested on December 1 and is identified as Pedro Antonio Cardoza, 53.
Antioch Police UPDATE
On December 1, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., an Antioch Police officer observed a red Ford F-150 pickup truck on A Street displaying flashing red and blue lights, causing other vehicles to pull over. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver.
Following an investigation, the driver was arrested for impersonating a peace officer, and the vehicle was impounded. The unlawful use of emergency lights creates a serious risk to public safety, and the Antioch Police Department takes these violations seriously. If you believe you were a victim of this incident or have additional information, please contact Officer J. Yega at [email protected]
Impersonating a peace officer is a misdemeanor level offense. Those convicted can be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail, extensive court fines ($2k), mandatory community service or community labor and any other conditions of probation that a judge may deem appropriate.
In September, the Sutter County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report from a motorist in the area of Highway 20 and Bridge Street in Meridian, who believed they had just been pulled over by someone impersonating a peace officer. The reporting party provided a detailed description of the suspect vehicle, which deputies located a short time later near South Tarke Road and Highway 20. Deputies transported the reporting party to the scene, where they positively identified the driver as 42-year-old Jaymi Ramirez of Marysville. A records check revealed Ramirez is a convicted felon and had an active out-of-county warrant. During a search of Ramirez’s vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded 30-round AR-15 magazine, an unregistered AR-15 rifle, and an LED light pod capable of flashing red and blue lights. Ramirez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Sutter County Jail on multiple felony firearm-related charges, possession of paraphernalia, and impersonating a peace officer.
Going back to July, however, a Felon was Accused of Impersonating Cop was Arrested by Hemet Police. Police in that incident said if you believe you are being pulled over by someone who may be impersonating a law enforcement officer, please call 9-1-1, and inform the dispatcher of your location, vehicle description, and concerns. Keep your doors locked and windows up, until a dispatcher can confirm identity and guide you on what to do next.
Meanwhile in June, Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) announced the No Vigilantes Act (SB 805) that will expand police impersonation laws to address the rise in public fear and confusion caused by recent aggressive law enforcement operations and an increase in claims of police impersonation.
“We have seen law enforcement operations being conducted in the name of immigration enforcement. But their appearance, tactics and behavior do not look like normal law enforcement practices,” said Senator Pérez. “We’ve seen guns pulled on civilians, and people snatched off the streets and in workplaces by masked people in civilian clothing and unmarked cars. This creates tremendous confusion, fear, and mistrust in communities across the state. We need to protect our residents and that means knowing who is actually conducting law enforcement operations on our streets.”
