safety
55-year-old accused of impersonating officer while driving outfitted Dodge Charger
By Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News
· July 10, 2026
· 2 min read
A 55-year-old man was arrested Thursday after Miami -Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies said he drove an outfitted Dodge Charger equipped with emergency lights, a siren and other law enforcement-style equipment, leading people to believe he was a police officer. Enrique Perez-Palenzuela was taken into cu
Key takeaway near Southwest 248th Street and Southwest 112th Avenue in the Princeton area of south Miami-Dade.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrest of Enrique Perez-Palenzuela for impersonating a police officer raises concerns about public safety in Miami-Dade County. The incident occurred in the Princeton area, a residential neighborhood in south Miami-Dade, where residents may feel vulnerable to such deception. The fact that Perez-Palenzuela's vehicle was equipped with emergency lights, sirens, and other law enforcement-style equipment, and that he wore a badge and gun belt, suggests a deliberate attempt to deceive the public. This kind of impersonation can erode trust in law enforcement and create confusion in emergency situations. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office has taken steps to address the issue, but it remains to be seen how common such incidents are in the county. Residents in areas like Little Havana, Wynwood, and Miami Beach, where police presence is already a concern, may be particularly wary of such impersonations, and the county's law enforcement agencies should take steps to reassure the public that they are taking measures to prevent such incidents.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 55-year-old man was arrested Thursday after Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies said he drove an outfitted Dodge Charger equipped with emergency lights, a siren and other law enforcement-style equipment, leading people to believe he was a police officer. Enrique Perez-Palenzuela was taken into cu
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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