Man accused of impersonating law enforcement in North Fort Myers fake traffic stop, DUI

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A man was arrested in North Fort Myers, accused of attempting to impersonate a police officer by using red and blue flashing lights from a YouTube video to pull over a woman early Monday morning.

Security footage obtained by Gulf Coast News shows Lee County deputies pulling over the accused fake cop outside Mickey Franklin's Tire & Auto. The woman called 911 after noticing a white SUV, resembling a retired patrol vehicle, following her closely and suspiciously on Pondella Road from US-41 to Biscayne Drive.

Michael Raheb, an attorney at The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, said, "The woman probably thought to herself, that's crazy. That's not a police officer. Police officers don't stick their phones out with WOO siren noises, so she probably was more nervous about not that he's a police officer, but who's this psycho chasing me?"

Deputies arrested 22-year-old Martin Portillo-Lopez, who is accused of driving drunk with a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit. An open Four Loko alcoholic drink was also discovered in the vehicle. Raheb emphasized, "You shouldn't pretend to be a police officer, and you shouldn't use your YouTube to make siren noise."

Investigators reported that Portillo-Lopez appeared to hold his phone near the windshield, flashing fake red and blue lights to simulate a traffic stop. Raheb noted that the woman's decision to call 911 likely kept her safe, advising, "Call 911 to say, 'look, I'm just calling and saying I'm pulling over. I just want to let you know it may not be an emergency. I'm being pulled over by someone.'"

The Lee County Sheriff's Office stated that Portillo-Lopez was accused of speeding at about 85 miles per hour before being pulled over at the tire shop parking lot.

They advise anyone suspecting law enforcement impersonation to turn on hazard lights, call 911, and drive to a well-lit public place while dispatch confirms the stop.

Portillo-Lopez was later released from the Lee County Jail on bond.

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