A man has been arrested in Washington for impersonating a police officer, a case that has raised eyebrows due to its bizarre circumstances. Michael Scalleta, 49, was detained after he appeared at an active crime scene dressed in tactical gear, complete with a vest and badge patches that read “SWAT police.” He even drove an unmarked SUV equipped with activated blue lights, blending into the scene so convincingly that responding officers initially mistook him for one of their own.
The incident unfolded on September 4, 2025, in Bremerton, Washington, where police were responding to reports of a man in tactical gear claiming to be law enforcement. Body camera footage from the arrest reveals Scalleta attempting to weave an elaborate narrative about his supposed law enforcement experience, claiming to have retired from the Baltimore City Police Department after 27 years. However, officers soon became suspicious when he failed to produce the required identification, known as a commission card, which every legitimate officer carries.
As officers pressed Scalleta for details about his background, inconsistencies began to emerge. He claimed to have worked with the Edmonds Police Department for 18 months, only to later contradict himself by saying he was contracted for two years and still had 18 months left on his contract. When asked about his employment, officers confirmed with Edmonds PD that he had never been on their payroll, raising red flags about his story.
The situation escalated when officers discovered that Scalleta was a convicted felon, prohibited from carrying firearms. Despite his claims of being off duty, the officers emphasized the dangers of his conduct, especially in one of the city’s highest crime areas. The confrontation turned serious when Scalleta was asked if he had any weapons, leading to his detention by law enforcement.
As the officers continued to investigate, they uncovered a history of criminal activity tied to Scalleta, including a felony conviction and involvement in a 2015 SWAT standoff in North Carolina. Despite his attempts to downplay his past, the evidence was clear, and he was ultimately arrested on charges of first-degree criminal impersonation and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
The case has sparked discussions about the implications of impersonating law enforcement and the potential risks posed to both officers and the community. Scalleta has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, with bail set at $50,000. As this unusual and alarming incident unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and verification in ensuring public safety and trust in law enforcement.
