Man Arrested for Impersonating Law Enforcement Officer Near Trussville

By Tribune Staff

JEFFERSON COUNTY–Authorities have apprehended a man who allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer and conducted unauthorized traffic stops in the vicinity of Trussville. ALEA Sergeant Jeremy Burkett confirmed the arrest today.

identified as John Milhorn, a 72-year-old resident of Springville, the suspect was taken into custody following an investigation prompted by a report received by troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division and special agents of ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation.

An account shared on social media detailed an encounter with the individual pretending to be an officer on Tuesday morning along I-59 near Trussville.

According to the report, the imposter was driving a silver four-door truck adorned with a K-9 sticker on the rear window and equipped with flashing white and yellow lights. He approached the victim in civilian attire and claimed to be an off-duty Alabama state trooper.

When questioned about the absence of traditional red and blue lights on his vehicle, the suspect insisted the lights were located at the back of his truck and requested the victim to exit her vehicle for a demonstration. Sensing something amiss, the woman declined, leading the imposter to issue a verbal warning for alleged “reckless driving and speeding.”

Subsequently, the woman reported the incident to law enforcement officials, prompting the arrest of Milhorn on charges of impersonating a peace officer. He is currently detained at the Jefferson County Jail on a $100,000 bond.