Every state in the union has a law against impersonating a police officer. Some people do it to further other criminal enterprises, while many do it to satisfy some aberrant psychological need. Sadly, it’s not especially uncommon.

What is uncommon is for the culprit to report themselves to the real police.

In January, the Pembroke Pines, Florida, Police Department received a call from 29-year-old Davonte Thompson, who identified himself as a former police officer who had made a reckless driver stop with his “old badge.” In 9-1-1 tapes that were later released, Thompson tells the dispatcher that the vehicle in question had been swerving out of its lane and “almost caused an accident.”

When officers arrived on scene, they found that Thompson wasn’t a cop. And his “old badge”? That was stolen from a law enforcement officer in Louisiana.

So what would make a guy who knew he was breaking the law ask the police to come meet him? Perhaps it was brazenness, the same kind of rush a chronic shoplifter gets when they stuff a $2 candy bar in their pocket and make for the door. Perchance it was a deep-seated fascination with the boys in blue. Maybe he’s the type of guy who just can’t stand a reckless driver.

Whatever the reason, Pembroke Pines officers weren’t impressed. Thompson got to wear a uniform that night, but it wasn’t the color he was hoping for. We don’t catch the smart ones.