Suspect Jailed in Alhambra, Accused of Impersonating Officer

PHOTO/Alhambra Police Department.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

---

ALHAMBRA - A man accused of flashing a fake badge to pull other motorists over was identified and arrested October 23.

Manuel Joe Hance, a 28-year-old San Gabriel man, was located in El Monte and was taken into custody, booked on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and false imprisonment, Alhambra Police said.

Hance is accused of stopping three drivers on October 20 and October 22. He attempted to extort cash from two of his victims to have alleged driving violations dismissed, but the two victims refused. Hance drove away from each victim, Alhambra Police said. 

A third victim did pay Hance $20, Alhambra Police said.

Hance was reportedly not in a uniform and drove an unmarked sedan during the alleged crimes.

Hace is being held in lieu of nearly $2.8 million bail at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County booking records.

Hance made an initial appearance in Alhambra Superior Court where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of kidnapping to commit another crime, one count of second degree robbery, two counts of ATM robberies, two counts of attempted second degree robbery and one count of impersonating an officer.

Alhambra Police detectives are seeking additional victims of a police impersonator and are coordinating with nearby agencies for reports of similar crimes.

Potential victims are urged to call the Alhambra Police Detective Bureau at 626-570-5157.