Kennesaw man arrested for impersonating police officer

A Kennesaw man was arrested last week off of Highway 92 in Acworth for allegedly impersonating a police officer. 

Around 1 p.m. on July 20, Acworth police observed Jerardson Mackey driving near Lake Acworth Drive off Highway 92 in Acworth. According to an arrest warrant, police noticed the 33-year-old driving his 2010 Dodge Charger, shining red and white lights he had installed on his truck to weave through traffic. 

Following a traffic stop, officers noticed Mackey was dressed similarly to a law enforcement officer, with sleeve pouches on his shoulders and a utility belt with a holster for a gun, per the warrant. Mackey reportedly flashed officers a badge from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Mackey also identified himself as an off-duty Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) officer, and said he owns a funeral escort business, per the warrant.

Mackey originally received a citation for unlawful operation of an emergency vehicle. The incident was then turned over to the Acworth Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit. 

Initial investigation revealed that Mackey was terminated from GDOT in January, police said, retaining his badge without notifying the proper channels that it was not returned. 

Mackey turned himself in to the Acworth Police Department on July 22. He is charged with one count of impersonating a public officer or employee, a felony. He is currently out on bond, which was set at $2,500.