The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man after he impersonated a law enforcement officer by activating red and blue emergency-style lights on his vehicle while driving in Hillsborough County.
On January 7, 2026, deputies were alerted by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office of a suspicious vehicle, described as a black Chevy Equinox with red and blue lights, entering Hillsborough County jurisdiction.
The lights caused another driver to believe they were being stopped by law enforcement and pull over.
At 1:21 p.m., deputies found the vehicle in the area of Dale Mabry Highway and Ehrlich Road and conducted a traffic stop. The driver Gamal Said, 28, later admitted he activated the lights to get to work faster.
“Falsely presenting as law enforcement is a serious offense that jeopardizes public safety,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Anyone who abuses that trust will be held accountable, and we encourage drivers to call 911 if they are ever unsure about a traffic stop.”
Said was taken into custody and charged with Unlawful Use of Blue Light, Impersonating a Public Officer, and two out-of-county warrants for probation violations related to burglary of an unoccupied structure.
Detectives are asking anyone who believes they may have been pulled over or told to pull over by Said before his arrest to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.
This remains an active investigation. Any updates will be released by the Public Affairs Office.
