safety
Miami-Dade deputies arrest man for impersonating police officer with sirens, lights and prisoner compartment in car
By Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
A man was arrested and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer after authorities say he was spotted driving a vehicle equipped with emergency sirens, lights, a spotlight, a push-bar, and a prisoner compartment.Enrique Perez-Palenzuela faced a judge Friday morning following his arrest Th
Key takeaway Perez-Palenzuela told police that the vehicle's emergency equipment was already installed when he purchased it.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrest of Enrique Perez-Palenzuela for impersonating a law enforcement officer raises concerns about public safety in Miami -Dade County. With a vehicle equipped to resemble a police car, including a prisoner compartment, Perez-Palenzuela could have potentially used his vehicle to deceive and exploit unsuspecting residents. This incident highlights the need for vigilance in a community where trust in law enforcement is crucial, particularly in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood where residents may already be wary of their surroundings. The fact that Perez-Palenzuela was able to purchase a vehicle with pre-installed emergency equipment also raises questions about the regulation of such sales and the potential for others to engage in similar behavior. As the case against Perez-Palenzuela moves forward, it will be important to watch how the Miami-Dade Police Department and other local authorities work to prevent similar incidents and protect the public from individuals who would seek to impersonate law enforcement.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . 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 CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man was arrested and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer after authorities say he was spotted driving a vehicle equipped with emergency sirens, lights, a spotlight, a push-bar, and a prisoner compartment.Enrique Perez-Palenzuela faced a judge Friday morning following his arrest Th
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami. 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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