Multiple Reports of Police Gear Stolen in Cobb County

Two different reports of car break-ins over the past two weeks have involved the stealing of Cobb County police gear. Both incidents involved the personal cars of two cops for Cobb. 

According to the reports, the items stolen include a ballistic helmet, a gas mask, a pistol, another type of helmet, and a vest. As of right now, authorities are most worried that someone will use that equipment to impersonate an officer.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I am going to outline the offense of impersonating an officer in today's post.

Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer in Georgia

I wrote about this offense in yesterday's post, when two minors initiated a police chase through Coweta County. However, most people are unaware that there is a second part to the statute. 

Georgia Law defines fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer in Georgia as physically fleeing an officer, and also this law makes it illegal to impersonate a law enforcement officer.
The second part of the statute is as follows:

It shall be unlawful for a person:

(1) To impersonate a sheriff, deputy sheriff, state trooper, agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, police officer, or any other authorized law enforcement officer by using a motor vehicle or motorcycle designed, equipped, or marked so as to resemble a motor vehicle or motorcycle belonging to any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency; or

(2) Otherwise to impersonate any such law enforcement officer in order to direct, stop, or otherwise control traffic. O.C.G.A. §40-6-395(c).

Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is a high and aggravated misdemeanor in Georgia. Georgia Law states that a person who is convicted of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 or by confinement for up to 12 months, or both.

Practice Note

Georgia laws are complicated, and no one should attempt to dissect the law on their own. If you or a loved one is facing the aftermath of an arrest, contact our offices today. A Georgia DUI Attorney can help you with your case.