Orlando Rideshare Driver Accused of Pretending to Be Cop During Lakeland Stop

iSkyNews and Media May 02, 2026

49-year-old John Edouard Gerlus of Orlando / PCSO

By Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published May 2nd, 2026

📰 News Brief

Who: 49-year-old John Edouard Gerlus of Orlando
What: Arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer (F3) and resisting without violence (M1)
When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 around 12:22 PM
Where: Lakeland Hills Blvd (SR 33) at Bridgewater Center Lane, Lakeland
Why: Ran a red light, then allegedly claimed to be a police officer, showing a badge and photo
Key Detail: Had Uber passengers in the back seat during the stop
Outcome: Taken to jail; passengers safely transported to their destination by deputies

LAKELAND, Fla. — A routine traffic stop in Lakeland quickly escalated Thursday afternoon after an Orlando Uber driver allegedly tried to pass himself off as a law enforcement officer while being pulled over.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 49-year-old John Edouard Gerlus was arrested on April 30, 2026, after a deputy observed his 2016 Honda Crosstour fail to stop at a red light along Lakeland Hills Boulevard (SR 33) near Bridgewater Center Lane.

Deputies say that after the vehicle came to a stop, Gerlus immediately exited the car and began approaching the deputy, ignoring multiple commands to return to his vehicle. During the encounter, Gerlus allegedly claimed he was a police officer, displaying what appeared to be a New York Police Department badge along with a photo of himself in uniform. He also told the deputy he worked for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities quickly verified that claim with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed that Gerlus is not employed by the agency, although he had reportedly been in the hiring process.

Investigators say Gerlus attempted to resist being detained, but deputies were able to take him into custody. He later admitted he was not a law enforcement officer and told deputies he obtained the NYPD badge from a friend who works as a dispatcher in New York.

At the time of the stop, two Uber passengers—a couple visiting from Massachusetts—were seated in the back of the vehicle, being transported from the airport to a vacation rental in Lakeland. Deputies ensured their safety, and another deputy completed the ride, taking the couple the remaining five miles to their destination.

Gerlus was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center and faces felony and misdemeanor charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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