Hudson man arrested for impersonating law enforcement official to run red light: HCSO

SPRING HILL, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement official to run a red light in Hernando County, the sheriff’s office said Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Hernando County Sheriff’s Detective William Harsanyi was driving to work in his unmarked vehicle when he observed a black Dodge Charger behind him going north on Commercial Way.

Detective Harsanyi noted the vehicle had after-market aluminum wheels, a “push bumper” affixed to the front, and lights attached to the push bumper.

As the two vehicles stopped at a red light at Spring Hill Drive and Commercial Way, Detective Harsanyi said the Charger activated the red and blue lights attached to the push bumper and ran through the red light.

Detective Harsanyi radioed patrol deputies, who conducted a traffic stop of the Charger, with Harsanyi also stopping to assist.

The driver, identified as Frank Michael DeJiulio, Jr. of Hudson, told deputies he did not have lights on the vehicle. When Detective Harsanyi said he was driving the vehicle in front of DeJiulio, DeJiulio admitted he activated the lights and ran the traffic light.

DeJiulio, 35, was arrested and charged with false personation and prohibited use of certain lights. His bond was set at $6,000.

He was also issued a citation for failure to obey a traffic control device.

The black Charger, which investigators say belonged to DeJiulio’s girlfriend, was towed.

Anyone who may have had an interaction with DeJiulio while he identified himself as a law enforcement officer is asked to contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830.

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