Peoria, AZ – A citizen’s tip led to the arrest of a 53-year-old Surprise man accused of impersonating a federal agent and unlawfully detaining a driver in the West Valley.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), the investigation began April 10 when a tipster reported seeing a black Ford F-150 pulling over another vehicle on State Route 303 near Lake Pleasant Parkway in Peoria. The citizen also provided video showing red and blue flashing lights in the suspect’s windshield during the incident.
AZDPS troopers interviewed the victim, who said the suspect identified himself as an FBI agent. Following a nearly four-month investigation, troopers arrested Roderick A. Gaines on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at his Surprise residence. Authorities said Gaines faces one charge of impersonating a peace officer and one charge of unlawful imprisonment. He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail.
Investigators said they recovered a jacket and hat with “FBI” lettering from one of the suspect’s vehicles, along with functioning red and blue lights still installed in the Ford F-150. The vehicle was seized as evidence. A firearm and other police-style equipment were also confiscated from Gaines’ residence.
AZDPS is urging anyone with additional information or past contact with the suspect to call 877-4AZ-TIPS or submit information online at azdps.gov/tips.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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