Fake ‘motorcycle cop’ with a gun exposed as convicted felon, California police say

A convicted felon faces charges of impersonating an armed motorcycle officer, California police reported.

Officers in Hemet, southeast of Riverside, spotted the man activating the emergency lights on his motorcycle and driving recklessly Tuesday, July 22, police said in a news release.

They discovered he was wearing a fake law enforcement uniform and carrying a pistol and police utility belt, officers said.

They detained the man and found he also had two taser electronic control devices, a police baton and a container of pepper spray, officers.

An investigation showed the man was a convicted felon not allowed to possess firearms or related weapons, police said.

Marshal Goodnight faces charges including impersonating a peace officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of a stun gun, possessing a baton and possessing a tear gas weapon, police said.

“We are committed to protecting our community and ensuring that law enforcement authority is never misrepresented,” police said in the release.

An investigation into the incident continues. Police ask anyone with information to call 951-765-2400 ext. 3725.

Hemet is about a 90-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles.

This story was originally published July 23, 2025 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Fake ‘motorcycle cop’ with a gun exposed as convicted felon, California police say."