DOVER, Florida — Hillsborough County deputies arrested a man accused of pretending to be a deputy while pointing a loaded shotgun at people.
Deputies say Travas Nelson Strickland, 30, claimed to be an undercover narcotics officer after he was approached about the land he was on.
He showed a badge and handgun and went to his vehicle, deputies say, where he took out a shotgun and started loading it while pointing it at the people who approached him.
The victims were in fear for their safety but were able to get the tag number of the vehicle. Deputies found him and took him into custody.
Strickland was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and impersonating a law enforcement officer without incident.
"This man's actions not only put people in direct danger but impersonating a law enforcement officer can erode the trust of the community," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Which is why we take this type of crime so seriously. Anyone who pretends to be a member of HCSO, or any other law enforcement agency, will be put in jail."
