Fake CA Battalion Chief Busted by Police

A Loma Linda man was arrested after he told police he was a Los Angeles County fire officer.

Ronald Dota was pulled over by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy for a vehicle violation at 9:04 a.m. on Tuesday.

Dota, 55, told the deputy he was a battalion chief with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. 

Inside the car, the deputy found fake fire department credentials, hidden lights, antennas and a dangerous weapon. 

After obtaining a warrant, law enforcement officials found additional fire department property at Dota's apartment.

Dota was found to have an expired license from Arizona and is not a member of a fire department.

He was arrested for impersonating a firefighter and possession of a dangerous weapon among other charges.