Convicted Sex Offender Detained for Impersonating Officer on I-75 in Florida

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A man previously convicted as a sexual predator was taken into custody on Sunday after Florida authorities caught him speeding in a pickup truck on Interstate 75, with the vehicle’s sirens blaring, as stated by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The incident happened in Sumter County.

Authorities mentioned in the arrest report that they were on the lookout for a speeding Dodge Ram traveling on I-75, which was identified by its flashing amber lights and siren.

A trooper noticed the Dodge Ram near mile marker 312 and stopped the vehicle. The report detailed that the trooper informed the driver, Anthony Lee Tripp, about receiving numerous calls regarding his vehicle using active lights and a siren.

In response, Tripp claimed his truck did not have such equipment, yet the trooper consulted with witnesses who confirmed seeing the Dodge Ram with the siren and lights. Upon searching the vehicle, the trooper located a siren box, according to the arrest report.

Tripp was arrested and faces a charge of false impersonation.