By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published March 7th, 2026
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Man Arrested for Impersonating Police Officer in Osceola County, Deputies Say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A 59-year-old man was arrested after allegedly impersonating a police officer during a traffic confrontation earlier this week, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the incident occurred on March 5, 2026, shortly after 7:00 p.m. near Simpson Road.
Investigators say an 18-year-old driver was traveling on Buenaventura Boulevard approaching Osceola Parkwayaround 6:30 p.m. when he encountered a Chevy SUV stopped in the roadway blocking traffic. The driver maneuvered around the stopped vehicle and continued driving.
According to deputies, the SUV — later identified as a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Carlos Barros-Villahermosa (DOB: April 3, 1966) — began following the victim and activated blue flashing lights.
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| Photos and videos related to the case were sent to iSkyNews.com by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. |
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| Carlos Barros-Villahermosa / OCSO |
Authorities say the suspect then pulled alongside the victim’s vehicle and displayed a badge while both vehicles were still moving.
The victim reportedly became suspicious and pulled into a nearby parking lot. Deputies say the suspect approached the vehicle and identified himself as a police officer, asking the driver for his driver’s license and registration while arguing about the victim’s driving.
The victim noticed the badge but did not see a firearm or other typical police equipment, according to investigators.
Concerned that the stop might not be legitimate, the victim pointed out what he believed was an undercover law enforcement vehicle nearby and told the suspect he wanted another officer present. At that point, deputies say the suspect returned to his SUV and quickly left the parking lot.
The victim’s passenger captured videos and photos of the suspect and vehicle, which were later provided to responding deputies.
According to investigators, deputies later located and contacted the suspect. During the encounter, deputies say the man had a badge and gun displayed on his person and told authorities he worked as a contract investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense and that he was a retired police officer from Puerto Rico.
Deputies ultimately arrested Barros-Villahermosa, charging him with:
- Impersonating a Police Officer
- False Imprisonment
The suspect’s Chevy Trailblazer was impounded, and investigators discovered lighting equipment capable of activating blue emergency lights, along with a console switch that activated an audible siren, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have previously been stopped by the suspect while he identified himself as a police officer to contact investigators immediately.
Photos and videos related to the case were sent to iSkyNews.com by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
What To Do If You Think a Traffic Stop Is Not a Real Officer
Law enforcement officials say drivers should take precautions if they suspect a traffic stop may be illegitimate.
Safety tips include:
🔹 Slow down and turn on your hazard lights to acknowledge the vehicle attempting the stop.
🔹 Drive to a well-lit public area such as a gas station, store parking lot, or busy intersection.
🔹 Call 911 and provide the dispatcher with your location and description of the vehicle attempting the stop. Dispatchers can confirm whether an officer is conducting the traffic stop.
🔹 Ask to see official credentials before providing identification.
🔹 Keep your doors locked and windows partially raised until you verify the person is a legitimate officer.
🔹 Observe the vehicle — real law enforcement vehicles typically have identifiable markings, radios, and standard equipment.
Authorities emphasize that drivers will not be penalized for taking reasonable steps to confirm an officer’s identity when safety is a concern.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
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