Canyon Lake man arrested for impersonating an officer

Press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office:

On Thursday, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team assumed an investigation regarding a subject impersonating a peace officer. It was reported the subject was conducting traffic stops within the Canyon Lake community while driving a vehicle similar to a police sedan. Video surveillance captured the suspect conducting a traffic stop using a white Crown Victoria sedan with emergency lights affixed to the car.

During the traffic stop, the suspect showed the victim a badge in which the victim recognized the words “Agent” and “California.” Deputies located the vehicle, and the driver was identified as Steven Sawhill, a 70-year-old resident of Canyon Lake. Deputies located a badge and other identification cards that were determined to be fraudulent in Sawhill’s possession.

Sawhill was arrested and charged with impersonating a peace officer, false imprisonment, and vehicle code violations related to possession of emergency lights. This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details are available.

If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of similar circumstances, contact Deputy Stacey at the Riverside Sheriff’s Lake Elsinore Station at 951-245–3300.