Mississippi man charged with impersonating officer after trying to pull over off-duty sheriff’s deputy

Published 6:13 am Wednesday, October 23, 2024

A Mississippi man faces multiple charges after he was accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer when he attempted to pull over a man who turned out to be an off-duty deputy for the Attala County Sheriff’s Office.

Curtis Gaines, of Durant, was charged with impersonating an officer, improper equipment, and marijuana possession following the incident on Monday along Highway 12.

According to the Attala County Sheriff’s Office, Gaines was driving an SUV outfitted with blue lights hanging from the rearview mirror and a Halloween mask. Most legitimate law enforcement vehicles are equipped with horizontal blue lights.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Deputy Braxton Goza, who was off duty at the time, told WTVA News in Tupelo that he was the one Gaines pulled over. After realizing the situation, Goza quickly identified Gaines’ actions as impersonating an officer.

Gaines was arrested shortly after the incident and is now awaiting further legal action.