Cop impersonator had lights, badge

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - After getting pulled over and suspecting foul play, Caleb Cheatheam chased a cop impersonator from Florence to Killeen and back to Georgetown until law enforcement could arrest him.

"There are enough real cops out there," said Cheatheam with a grin. "We don't need fake ones too."

On July 2nd, Cheatheam was making deliveries for a medical supply company when a guy in a red pick-up truck started following him with flashing lights.

"I didn't know if he was an officer or not because they are driving a bunch of vehicles right now," said Cheatheam.

Cheatheam pulled over but immediately knew something was wrong when the "cop" approached him wearing khaki shorts and a blue t-shirt.

"I asked to see his badge and he went back to the truck to get it," said Cheatheam. "I've never had an officer not have his badge right there."

Cheatheam said the man then flashed a silver and red badge and put it away. "I asked to see it again and he refused, saying that wasn't why we were there. That's when I put it into gear and took off," said Cheatheam.

Cheatheam said the man then jumped back in his truck and started following him. That's when Cheatheam called 9-1-1.

"When he saw me on the phone, he turned around," said Cheatheam. "Knowing the cops were on their way, I turned around and started following him."

The chase led Cheatheam north from Florence on Highway 195 to Killeen, then back down to Georgetown. That's when Williamson County deputies showed up.

"When they looked inside the man's truck, they found a signal light and a badge from an out of state fire department," said Detective John Foster with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department. "He was arrested for impersonating a public servant."

Deputies arrested Eric Dearmitt for the third degree felony. They believe he was a volunteer firefighter in another state and don't yet have a motive as to why he was impersonating an officer.

"You should know immediately if someone is an officer," said Foster. "They should have a marked vehicle and/or many lights. If you see a car with just one light following you, then get over to the right and let them pass. If they continue following you, then call 9-1-1 and let them know."

Cheatheam followed all the rules, but took it a bit further with chasing down the suspect. "I knew police were on the way," he said. "And, I didn't want to let this guy get away."