Earlier this month Bremerton police arrested a man who had dressed up as a cop, wearing an Edmonds Police detective badge, and carrying out police duties.
49-year-old Michael A. Scaletta-Teates of Lacey arrived at an active police scene in an unmarked Ford Explorer with activated blue police lights.
He identified himself as an off-duty Edmonds Police Detective and was wearing body armor with “POLICE” and “SWAT” logos as well as a metallic Edmonds Police badge with three numbers instead of four.
Michael Scaletta-Teates, or Mezzy as he calls himself, was booked into the Kitsap County Jail for Criminal Impersonation 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree.
The Youtube channel Code Blue Cam acquired body cam footage and put together a 34-minute piece, highlighting the highly unusual encounter and findings. Here’s the video:
In the video we learn he was working as a security guard for the Salvation Army, arrested in 2015 in DC, claimed he got Covid 11 times, and had tricked his wife and neighbors that he was an officer.
If you ever suspect an officer you encounter is not legitimate, here are a few things you can do if you have doubts:
- You can ask the officer for their name and badge number.
- Call 911 and ask if the name and badge number given is valid.
- Call 911 and request a second officer to the traffic stop.
- Call 911 and verify with them an officer is in the area.
- If being stopped, slow your speed, activate your signal, and pull over to a safe well lit area.
September 29, 2025
Police Blotter