Imposter Lights, Real Felonies – Fake Cop Calls 911

Police officer in uniform from behind on a city street — Photo: FeyginFoto / Shutterstock

Arizona troopers say a 60-year-old man pulled over a driver on Interstate 17 using fake police lights, then bizarrely called 911 for backup before getting arrested.

Story Highlights

Arizona Department of Public Safety identified and arrested Scott Carl Millage after a fake traffic stop in Phoenix.
Prosecutors booked Millage on suspicion of impersonating a peace officer, unlawful imprisonment, and kidnapping.
Reports say Millage used a gray pickup with red and blue lights to stop a silver Tesla on I-17.
Officials urge drivers to call 911 to verify unmarked stops and protect themselves from impostors.

What Arizona Troopers Say Happened on I-17

Arizona Department of Public Safety officials said Scott Carl Millage, 60, of Cave Creek, used a gray pickup truck outfitted with red and blue lights to pull over a driver on Interstate 17 in Phoenix. Troopers responded after the encounter and arrested Millage on the freeway. Authorities stated he lacked any legal authority to act as an officer. The agency publicly warned motorists after the arrest and outlined the suspected crimes tied to the stop.

Local coverage reported the target vehicle was a silver Tesla and that Millage, after staging the stop, actually dialed 911 to request police backup. Troopers took him into custody and transported him for booking. The traffic stop drew attention because it matched a known pattern in which offenders mimic police tools to gain control over drivers. Officials highlighted the location, the use of colored lights, and the freeway setting to stress the risk to the public.

The Charges and What They Mean

Authorities said Millage was booked on suspicion of impersonating a peace officer, unlawful imprisonment, and kidnapping, which are felony offenses. Impersonation covers pretending to wield police powers. Unlawful imprisonment involves restraining someone against their will. Kidnapping typically requires restraint plus added factors or movement under threatening conditions. Prosecutors will decide final charges as evidence is reviewed, but the announced counts reflect the serious nature of forcing a motorist to stop on a highway.

Police impersonation crimes, while not common, are documented in research and case files. Studies describe how offenders use vehicle pull-overs, fake lights, and badges to intimidate victims into compliance. That tactic exploits the public’s respect for lawful authority and can escalate fast, especially on busy roads. Researchers warn that these events create fear and confusion and can place both drivers and responding officers in danger during the first minutes of the encounter.

Safety Guidance for Drivers During Unmarked Stops

State and city resources advise drivers who doubt an unmarked stop to slow down, turn on hazard lights, call 911, and request verification while continuing to a well-lit, public place. Dispatchers can confirm if a real officer initiated the stop and can guide next steps. Drivers should not exit the vehicle until instructed by verified law enforcement. This protocol balances respect for police with common-sense steps to avoid criminals who pose as officers on the road.

Public records portals list how to request incident reports and 911 recordings after cases move through the system. Arizona Department of Public Safety and the City of Phoenix provide forms and contacts so victims and media can obtain documents when they become available. Those materials, once released, help clarify timelines, officer responses, and charging decisions. Until then, the agency’s public statements guide what is known about the stop and the listed felony counts.

Why This Matters to Public Safety and Rule of Law

This incident strikes at a core principle: only real, accountable officers can lawfully stop and detain citizens. Impersonators weaken trust, put families at risk, and distract real police from stopping actual threats. Strong enforcement against fakes protects the public and supports honest officers. Clear guidance to drivers—verify stops, call 911, and reach a safe, well-lit area—helps uphold both safety and the rule of law without giving cover to criminals on our roads.