Man arrested for impersonating cop after pulling over neighbor

Rule No. 1 of impersonating a police officer: Don’t pull over your neighbor.

Police say 21-year-old Vincent Mercaldo III of Marietta used his black 2000 Volvo and a blue strobe light to make a traffic stop around 11 p.m. on Oct. 10. To his surprise, it was his neighbor from across the street.

Enlarge this image

Cobb County Police Department

Vincent James Mercaldo III of Marietta was arrested for impersonating a police officer.

Recent headlines:

• Woodstock family reaches out to storm victims 
• Cobb vet's license suspended 
• Burglars with sledgehammers foiled by concrete wall 

   • Cobb County news

Chad Wilson said Mercaldo pulled up behind him on Friendship Church Road near Dallas Highway in Marietta. Wilson pulled into a subdivision thinking he had been stopped by a police officer. As Mercaldo, exited his car wearing plain clothes, Wilson immediately began questioning him.

Mercaldo told Wilson he was a federal officer and had the right to make traffic stops. Wilson said he was told that he was going a little fast and had a tail light out.

“He said he wasn’t going to write any tickets, but was just warning people,” Wilson said.

Wilson, 20, said his neighbor’s story didn’t sound right.

“Ever since I’ve known him, he has always tried to pretend he was someone he wasn’t.”

Mercaldo’s latest impersonation has landed him in jail on charges of false imprisonment and impersonating a police officer. His bond is $25,000.

After Wilson reported the incident, Cobb police officer B.E. Poteet arrested Mercaldo on Wednesday on Dallas Highway after spotting the car. The officer found an authentic-looking air pistol, handcuffs and a badge apparently purchased on the Internet, according to the police report.

Police spokeswoman Officer Cassie Reece said the incident appears to be isolated.

She cautioned anyone who feels uncomfortable about being pulled over to call 911.

“People should always pull into well-lit areas,” she added.