Officers Arrest Alleged Police Impersonator

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A man was facing potential felony charges Thursday for allegedly impersonating a police officer, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.

Jose Quintana, 39, was arrested on Tuesday by detectives assigned to the LAPD Rampart Division's Special Problems Unit and was booked for grand theft and unlawful use of a badge, police said. He was released Thursday morning on $50,000 bail. No court date was announced.

Quintana allegedly approached people who had been arrested -- or whose family members had been arrested -- and told them he could make their criminal case "disappear," the LAPD reported. He allegedly operated in the Rampart area, west of downtown Los Angeles.

According to police, Quintana met with victims at coffee shops, restaurants, and even in front of police stations. He allegedly was armed with a firearm and had a badge. A warrant had been issued for his arrest in November.

Anyone with more information on the case or who might have been victimized by Quintana, was urged to call the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division at (213) 486-6840.

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