‘Fake cop’ at homicide scene arrested after the true cops requested him for his credentials | EUROtoday

A South Carolina man has been arrested after he impersonated a cop at against the law scene and acquired right into a kerfuffle with the true ones, authorities stated.

On May 12, Julio Santos-Hernandez visited the scene the place 18-year-old Tra’sean White had been fatally shot in Hanahan, a few 30-minute drive northwest of Charleston, South Carolina, based on officers.

While on the scene, Hernandez posed as an off-duty officer to cops with the Hanahan Police Department, court docket paperwork obtained by WCSC acknowledged.

He even assisted authorities in arresting somebody, based on the report. It’s unclear why Hernandez was on the scene within the first place.

open picture in gallery

Hernandez claimed to have his credentials and gun with him, however when requested by the cops to indicate the credentials, he stated he left them at house, per police.

He stated he’d retrieve his credentials, however he by no means did, cops stated.

At one level throughout the incident, Hernandez was requested by a sergeant to depart the scene, however he simply went over to a different officer and continued to say he was an off-duty cop, based on authorities. He additionally informed investigators he was a “deputy” whereas on the telephone with them.

Hernandez was later arrested for impersonating a regulation enforcement officer.

In a press release to WCSC, Hernandez maintained his innocence: “As a former law enforcement officer with nearly 11 years of dedicated service, I am resolute in my intention to clear my name and protect the integrity of my reputation, meticulously built over a decade of public service.”

“I am grateful for the continued support of my colleagues, friends, and family during this challenging time,” he continued. “Our shared commitment to truth and justice motivates me to see this through to a fair and just conclusion. I appreciate your understanding and support as I navigate this personal and professional trial.”

Hernandez does have a piece historical past at a number of South Carolina regulation enforcement businesses, per information from the state’s Criminal Justice Academy obtained by WCSC.

He voluntarily resigned from his most up-to-date stint on the Charleston County Aviation Authority in October 2024.

In 2016, Hernandez was fired from the Rock Hill Police Department for a coverage violation, but it surely didn’t contain any misconduct.