Cop Impersonator Nabbed After Terrorizing Family in Industry

PHOTO/Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Written by AARON CASTREJON | CityWatch Editor

---

INDUSTRY - A quick-thinking mother summoned help from Good Samaritans Sunday after an armed man on a bike intimidated her and her family.

The suspect approached a mother, father and four children as they sat in their van eating a meal around 6:34 p.m. in the 13400 block of Valley Boulevard. The suspect began to intimidate the family by flashing a badge, claiming he was an undercover officer and flaunting a handgun tucked in his waistband, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Knowing the suspect was not an officer, the mother distracted the suspect by offering him a taco. She then told him she wanted to get him napkins and fled to the nearby taco truck where they purchased their food from as the suspect rifled through her purse and van while the children were still buckled in, deputies said.

"The mother approached the taco truck and customers who were standing in line.  She asked them not look back towards her family’s van and asked them to please call 9-1-1 or help her," deputies said. "She quickly explained the man was flashing a gun who was intimidating her children and husband and she feared for their lives."

The Good Samaritans, including the taco truck employee, called deputies and provided a suspect description and location.

As deputies arrived, the suspect tossed the handgun in the van and attempted to get in, but deputies stopped the suspect and took him into custody.

Juan Rodriguez, 38, was booked at on suspicion of several felony charges including child endangerment, impersonating a peace officer and on outstanding warrants.

PHOTO/Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.