A 66-year-old Orangefield man was arrested after authorities say he used emergency lights on his vehicle to make motorists move out of his way on Interstate 35 in Williamson County.
Les Powell is facing a charge of impersonating a public servant, a third-degree felony. According to the Austin American Statesman, officers searching Powell’s vehicle following his May 27 arrest discovered a shotgun, an AR-15 rifle, body armor, badges and other equipment commonly associated with law enforcement.
The investigation began after it was reported that a Ford Explorer was witnessed using his emergency lights to make drivers move out of the left lane. As he was being followed, they were reaching speeds of 90mph.
Investigators say Powell, who was later identified as the driver, allegedly repeated the same action with another vehicle.
Powell was followed to Round Rock where a deputy observed Powell carrying a handgun in a hip holster and wearing two badges. One badge resembled the shield-style badges commonly used by police departments, while the second featured the Texas state seal, according to the report.
The Statesman also reported that according to court documents, Powell had previously been arrested in Minnesota on allegations of impersonating a police officer and illegally possessing a pistol or assault weapon. Those charges were later reduced to misdemeanors.
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