The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has successfully apprehended and issued a citation to the driver of the notorious “Booty Patrol” truck, who had been impersonating law enforcement and causing chaos on the streets of Florida.
The bizarre incident gained attention early in the first week of November when deputies revealed that a Chevrolet Silverado, equipped with red and blue lights and emblazoned with the words “BOOTY PATROL,” was engaging in unauthorized law enforcement activities.
Deputies had urged the public to be vigilant and come forward with any information about encounters with this suspicious vehicle.
Thankfully, no reports of motorists being pulled over by the impersonator had surfaced. As a result, the driver was not arrested but received a citation for violating Florida State Statute 316.2397, which specifically pertains to the improper use of certain lights.
Nichole Celotto, the public information coordinator for the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, gave an update on the case.
“We made the post for awareness and for anyone to come forward who may have been pulled over by this individual. He was not arrested, but has been given a citation for using the police lights,” Celotto said.
Celotto also mentioned that the case has now been handed over to the state attorney’s office for further investigation.
The “Booty Patrol” truck, bearing license plate H05F41, had drawn attention for its distinctive green decals mirroring those of Border Patrol vehicles, including multiple instances of the phrase “Booty Patrol” displayed prominently on the vehicle.
Deputies shared their relief at locating the vehicle and its driver prior to the public post.
“We want to emphasize that DCSO located the vehicle on Sunday, and our initial post aimed to raise awareness about this incident, ensuring that the public can avoid being duped by such individuals,” the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook. “We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who called in with information about the suspicious vehicle, as your continued support is crucial in helping us maintain a safe and secure community for our residents.”
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office had been concerned not only about the incident’s implications for their county but also for neighboring counties in Florida, where similar occurrences had been reported. This unusual case of law enforcement impersonation has now been handed over to the state attorney for further examination.
Residents who may have any information regarding encounters with the “Booty Patrol” vehicle or additional details about these incidents were encouraged by police to contact the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division at (863) 993-4700.
