Man arrested by Union City police for falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer

The Officer made contact with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle who identified himself and informed the officer that he was transporting a loaded handgun in the vehicle. The Officer inquired about the possibility that the driver had been issued a weapons permit, and the driver presented the officer with a Law Enforcement Commission Card from the Texas County Sheriff’s Office with the driver’s image and name on the card.

The Officer further inquired about the driver’s CLEET Certification Card and his Badge issued by the Texas County Sheriff’s Office. The driver admitted that he was not active with the Texas County Sheriff’s Office.  Officers on scene made contact with the Texas County Sheriff’s Office and learned that the driver had not been employed by the Sheriff’s Office in any capacity for two years.

Officers arrested Jeffery Kent Bauer, 51, of Guymon, Oklahoma. Upon interview, Bauer stated that he knowingly presented the non-valid Law Enforcement Credentials to the Officer on scene in an effort to avoid being in trouble for carrying the loaded handgun. The handgun was seized as evidence of the crime.

Oklahoma statute regarding peace officers carrying a weapon while off duty is as follows:

21 O.S. § 1289.23. Concealed firearm for off-duty police officer.  Concealed firearm for off-duty police officer.  A full-time duly appointed Peace Officer who is certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), pursuant to the provisions of Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, is hereby authorized to carry a weapon certified and approved by the employing agency during periods when the officer is not on active duty as provided by the provisions of subsection B of this section. B. When an off-duty officer carries a certified weapon, the officer shall be wearing the law enforcement uniform prescribed by the employing agency or when not wearing the prescribed law enforcement uniform, the officer shall be required: 1. To have the official peace officer’s badge, Commission Card and CLEET Certification Card on his or her person at all times when carrying a weapon certified and approved by the employing agency.

Bauer was transported to the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center where he was lodged on the following charges:

21 O.S. § 1533(B) • Falsely impersonates public official or law enforcement officer in connection with sham legal process.

21 O.S. § 1287 • Uses firearm or other offensive weapon while committing or attempting to commit a felony , first offense.

21 O.S. § 1287 • Uses firearm or other offensive weapon while committing or attempting to commit a felony , first offense.

47 O.S. § 1151(A)(5) • Operates a vehicle without proper license plate or decal or on which all taxes due the state have not been paid.

The law enforcement community remains very aware of the threats of police impersonators across the nation and are committed to arresting and prosecuting these criminals before they can harm anyone.