Short Documentary Released of Man Impersonating an Edmonds Police Officer

Bremerton police arrested 49-year-old Michael A. Scaletta-Teates for impersonating an Edmonds police officer while dressed in body armor and displaying a badge. He arrived at an active police scene in an unmarked Ford Explorer with blue lights activated, falsely identifying himself as an off-duty detective. Scaletta-Teates faces charges of Criminal Impersonation 1st Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree. Body cam footage featured in a 34-minute documentary by Code Blue Cam revealed additional details, including his past as a security guard and claims of having contracted Covid-19 multiple times.

This incident raises critical concerns about public safety and the potential for fraud in law enforcement impersonation. Local authorities encourage citizens to verify the identity of officers if they suspect illegitimacy during encounters. Citizens can ask for names and badge numbers or contact 911 for confirmation. The case underscores the importance of community awareness in ensuring safety and security.