Fake Cop Arrested in Ferndale

A Southfield man was arrested in Ferndale on Wednesday after police say he falsely claimed to be a police officer.

Around 12:20 p.m. Feb. 27, a Ferndale police officer made a traffic stop on Maurice Lawson, 38, of Southfield, for speeding on Eight Mile near Livernois.

When the officer approached the pick-up truck, he noticed the driver wore a badge around his neck, a police report states. The badge was attached to a leather backing and chain like that used by plain clothes officers.

Police said Lawson tried to convince the officer that he was a police officer for Detroit Public Schools Office of Public Safety, however he had no identification on him.

The Ferndale officer became suspicious and arrested Lawson for not having a driver's license on him, according to the report. Police said further investigation showed that the man is not nor ever was a police officer. A pair of handcuffs and a hunting knife were found in the compartment on the side of the driver’s car door, police said.

Lawson was arraigned on Thursday on charges of unlawful possession of a police badge (a 93-day misdemeanor), and carrying a concealed weapon (a five-year felony). Bond was set at $5,000 cash/surety.