RICKY WILSON/Stuff
When he pulled over two drivers Glenn Alan Mathias said he was a police officer. In fact, he’s a farm assistant (file photo).
When he turned on his flashing blue and red lights and pulled over a driver, Glenn Alan Mathias said he didn’t have his ID on him, but he was from Taupō police.
They had crossed the centre line, he said, before proceeding to offer traffic safety advice.
It was the second time in two days the 41-year-old had pulled over a driver, telling them he was a police officer.
In fact, he’s a farm assistant.
READ MORE:
* Police impersonator Shannen Cox faces up to 12 months in prison
* Mayor charged with impersonating police, drink-driving
* Gangster jailed for impersonating police officer – and now they say he’s at it again from behind bars
* Man posed as a cop to impress women – police
The bizarre events that led to Mathias pleading guilty to two charges of impersonating a police officer at Te Kūiti District Court, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment or a $15000 fine, are outlined in the police summary of facts.
It reveals how on two occasions, 22 and 24 April, 2018, Mathias was driving his utility vehicle in Puketapu when he “activated flashing blue and red lights on the dash of his vehicle”.
The first victim, assuming he was a police officer, pulled over and stopped.
“The defendant walked up to the driver’s door and told her she was lucky he was not on duty, claiming she had committed an offence by having her lights on full,” the summary said.
“After a brief conversation he turned his vehicle around and drove off.”
The second offence followed the same pattern, only with him telling the victim they had crossed the centre line.
“He was asked for his police ID, but claimed he did not have it, but said he was from the Taupō Police,” the summary said.
“After giving some traffic safety advice he got back in his vehicle and drove off.”
Mathias pleaded guilty to two charges of impersonating a police officer and a theft charge relating to a weedeater, welder, a helmet and a radio.
He admitted the theft to police, but denied impersonating a police officer.
He was set to be sentenced on Thursday but failed to appear, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
