05-06-13

Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office on Friday arrested 21 year old Beaudonovan R. Martin Jr. of Peculiar on two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and one count of False Impersonation of a Law Enforcement Officer.

Investigators believe that on April 30 around 7:30 am Mr. Martin followed one victim in his black Dodge Durango and confronted the victim about driving too fast. The victim stated that Mr. Martin was holding a gun and a pair of handcuffs while he yelled at him about driving too fast.

During a second incident on April 30 at approximately 11:30 pm two people reported being followed by a dark colored Dodge Durango on C Hwy, south of Peculiar. The vehicle driven by Mr. Martin followed them to a residence on S. Harper Road where he confronted them and identified himself as a deputy sheriff. The victims stated that he pointed a gun with a flashlight attached to it and told them they were in trouble for their driving.

Investigators served a search warrant at Martin’s residence, located in the 10000 Block of E. 243rd south of Peculiar Friday morning and took him into custody. Martin in currently being held in the Cass County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Although investigators remain unsure of a motive, they say if people are unsure about a vehicle pulling them over they should call 911.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is also reminding the public of what they can expect when being pulled over:

• The majority of traffic stops are conducted in marked vehicles driven by deputies dressed in full uniform.
• Marked Sheriff’s Office vehicles are always equipped with red and blue lights, which are always activated during traffic stops.
• While rare, an undercover deputy or detective wearing plain clothes may conduct a traffic stop in an unmarked vehicle, using red/blue -colored lights. The lights in these vehicles can be located inside the grill or in the vehicle’s interior.
• Deputies are required to carry identification at all times and drivers have the right to ask them to see that identification.
• A driver should never exit his/her vehicle during a traffic stop, unless they are asked to do so by a deputy.
• When conducting traffic stops members of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office usually approach the vehicle they have pulled over in a reasonably prompt fashion. They always identify themselves as members of the Sheriff’s Office.

Major Jeff Weber said that police impersonation is relatively rare but that people should follow their instincts. “This is not frequent,” he said. “But it is serious enough for everyone to be aware.”

If anyone has experienced a similar incident they are encouraged to call the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 816-380-5200.