Man wearing stolen CHP badge crashes car, fires gun into air, sheriff says
A Richmond man crashed his car, fired a gun into the air, and flashed a stolen CHP badge, according to officials. (Photo: Sonoma Sheriff)
SANTA ROSA, Calif. - A Richmond man crashed his car Thursday night in Santa Rosa, and reportedly acted like he was a cop when officers arrived.
Officers were called to the 1000 block of Wilfred Avenue around 11:07 p.m. after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots and seeing a car stuck in the mud. They found Elmer Rodriguez Monterrosa, 49, standing near the car.
Monterrosa showed signs he was drunk, they said, and had a California Highway Patrol badge hanging around his neck on a chain. The suspect allegedly told the deputy that he was a police officer.
The responding deputy realized that Monterrosa was not a police officer and that the badge around his neck was stolen, officials said.
A handgun and spent shell casings were found near the car, officials said. A box of ammunition and magazines were also found inside the vehicle, they said.
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CHP responded and conducted a DUI investigation.
Monterrosa was arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of stolen property, and the following misdemeanor charges: impersonating a police officer, carrying a loaded handgun in public, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
His bail was set at $20,000.00.