BOWIE, Md. — Maryland State Police arrested a Baltimore man on Sunday for impersonating a police officer after troopers found him carrying law enforcement-style gear and illegal ammunition during a traffic stop in Prince George’s County.
Antonieo Cole, 60, was charged with one count of impersonating a police officer and one count of illegal possession of ammunition, both misdemeanors. He was released on $2,000 bail.
Troopers from the College Park Barrack pulled over Cole around 5:20 p.m. on westbound Route 50 near Church Road for driving a vehicle with expired registration tags. During the stop, officers observed several law enforcement-style items in the vehicle, including a bulletproof vest labeled “POLICE,” a duty belt containing loaded magazines, handcuffs, pepper spray, a baton, and a BB gun resembling a handgun.
Cole told troopers he worked as a security guard. However, police say he was also carrying a fake police badge and fraudulent identification. He is prohibited from possessing both firearms and ammunition due to prior restrictions.
Cole was processed at the College Park Barrack before being taken to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.
Key Points
- Antonieo Cole, 60, arrested in Bowie for impersonating a police officer
- Found with fake badge, BB gun, ammunition, and law enforcement-style gear
- Released on $2,000 bail and charged with two misdemeanors
Authorities say Cole’s imitation of law enforcement was complete with tactical gear—but lacked any legal authority.
A Baltimore man tried to play cop with a fake badge and real ammo—now he’s facing real charges.