Bremerton, Wash. — A 49-year-old convicted felon, Michael Scaletta-Teates, is behind bars after allegedly impersonating an Edmonds police detective during what appeared to be an active crime scene response. The arrest occurred early on September 5, as Bremerton police were dispatched to a parking garage fire. At the scene, officers encountered a man arriving in a dark Ford Explorer equipped with flashing blue police lights, body armor bearing “POLICE” and “SWAT” labels, and a metallic Edmonds Police Department–style badge. He introduced himself as an off-duty detective.
Initial interactions convinced at least one responding officer that Scaletta-Teates might be legitimate, until inconsistencies and suspicions emerged. A review in the state license database revealed he had no driver’s license and had previously been convicted of a bomb hoax in Maryland in 2016, raising concerns about the veracity of his story. The incident prompted a deeper probe into his background and conduct.
Acting as Officer, Working as Security Guard, Now Charged
Investigators determined Scaletta-Teates was actually working as a security guard at a nearby business at the time of the police impersonation. During questioning, he claimed to have served in law enforcement, citing fictitious roles such as “gang detective” and “intelligence division” at the Edmonds Police Department, claims that the city promptly refuted. Bremerton police confirmed the badge and credentials were counterfeit.
Among the evidence collected was the weapon he carried, extensive police-style gear, and his bizarre self-effacing narrative that he had previously worked for “Thurston Sheriff’s Department” but was let go because they wanted him to serve in a jail environment, a comment investigators described as nonsensical and another indication of his impersonation.
Court Proceedings & Public Safety Concerns
Scaletta-Teates was subsequently booked into Kitsap County Jail, facing charges of first-degree criminal impersonation and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. His bail has been set at $50,000, with a trial date scheduled for November 3. At his September court appearance, he entered a plea of not guilty.
Authorities are urging community members to remain alert, if anyone recalls unusual interactions with someone claiming to be an officer, even while he was active as a security guard, they are encouraged to contact Bremerton Police.
Bigger Picture: Impersonation Poses Significant Risk
While no further misconduct linked to Scaletta-Teates has yet surfaced, law enforcement and civic watchdogs point to impersonation as a dangerously effective method of preying on public trust, especially given its potential to disrupt emergency response systems. His behavior evokes parallels to high-profile impersonation cases, such as that of Jeremy Dewitte, a career impersonator in Florida known for numerous arrests for posing as an officer during funeral processions.
This arrest reinforces a critical message to the public: always seek to verify an officer’s credentials and badge number. Bremerton Police advise calling 911 to validate identity, requesting additional responding units, or pulling to a well-lit, safe location if approached.
Sources:
FOX 13 Seattle – WA man accused of pretending to be Edmonds officer appears in court
https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/man-accused-pretending-edmonds-officers
KOMO News – Felon security guard charged with impersonating Edmonds police officer
https://komonews.com/news/local/felon-security-guard-charged-with-impersonating-edmonds-police-officer-swat-police-body-cam-bodycam-impersonation-response-investigation-illegal-crime-bomb-hoax-bremerton-seattle-washington
Wikipedia – Jeremy Dewitte (reference on impersonation cases)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Dewitte
Fox 13 Seattle Photo
Fox 13 Seattle. (2025, September 8). Man accused of impersonating Edmonds, WA officer appears in court [Photograph]. FOX 13 Seattle.
KOMO News Photo
Harris, J. (2025, September 9). Accused police impersonator Michael Scaletta-Teates appears in Kitsap County Superior Court [Photograph]. KOMO News.
