Sebastian Bradshaw, 28, had his BMW SUV removed from the road for appearing too similar to a police cruiser.

(LEVI LANDRY / iNFOnews.ca)

Charges have been stayed against a Kamloops man who was investigated for impersonating a police officer.

In May 2021, Sebastian William Bradshaw's BMW SUV was removed from the road after police said it bore a resemblance to a police cruiser.

Later that month, his home was searched and police found police clothing, weapons, a police badge and police rank chevrons.

Kamloops RCMP have more than ten files since 2017 where Bradshaw is alleged to have outfitted his vehicle with police lights and a siren, while also dressing himself to appear as a police officer.

He also posted images of himself wearing police-like clothing on social media, according to court documents.

READ MORE: Uber trying again for approval to operate in Kelowna and rest of B.C. Interior

While searching Bradshaw's home on May 21, 2021, police seized "tactical" clothing, like body armour and a helmet. They also seized a compound bow and two Airsoft guns. Bradshaw had a previous weapons prohibition, but it's unclear whether it applies to Airsoft guns or compound bows.

The SUV was outfitted with lights and antennas, which he claimed were needed for work, RCMP said.

He was ticketed on May 12, 2021, and the plates were removed from his BMW until he removed any resemblance to a police vehicle.

Bradshaw was scheduled to appear at Kamloops Provincial Court Wednesday, Sept. 7, to answer to the accusations he impersonated police and possessed weapons at his home. Bradshaw was facing just one charge of possessing a firearm contrary to an order.

READ MORE: Penticton man who distributed secret recordings of his stepdaughter jailed

At the hearing, the charge against him was stayed. Although it doesn't mean the charge against him was withdrawn, it's unlikely the matter will return to court.

There have been several reports of police impersonations across B.C.'s Interior in recent years.

According to the search warrant, there were 26 "confirmed occurrences" of people impersonating police officers across the RCMP Southeast District from 2020 to May 2021.

There were also false reports where drivers wrongfully believed they were being pulled over by an impersonator.  RCMP said one in Midway this year and another in Lumby last April turned out to be legitimate police officers.

The man behind the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting had a Ford Taurus, detailed to appear no different from an RCMP cruiser, leading RCMP to be watchful of police impersonators.

READ MORE: Violent vigilante gets three years in jail for Vernon axe attack

To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2022