Police: Fake Officer Arrested After Pulling Over Deputy

INDIANAPOLIS -- A man pretending to be a police officer was arrested after he pulled over an off-duty sheriff's deputy who was in his personal vehicle, authorities said.

James Merket, driving a car with police gear and emergency lights, stopped a vehicle containing Marion County sheriff's Cpl. Clayton Willis and his family on an interstate Sunday, police said.

Police said Merket, who was not in a uniform, identified himself as a state policeman and asked Willis whether he was in a hurry. Willis decided Merket was an imposter after a brief conversation, and when Merket returned to his car, Willis followed him, police said.

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Video: Watch Report
Slideshow: Non-Officer Accused Of Pulling Over Deputy

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When the two got to Merket's car, Merket changed his story, according to Willis.

"He stated, 'Hey, I lied to you. I'm not a police officer,'" Willis said. "So, I grabbed his wrist, escorted him out of the vehicle and put his hands on his roof. I then took his weapon from him and proceeded to handcuff him with his cuffs, ironically enough."

Merket, 65, faces charges of impersonating a public servant and unlawful use of a police radio, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

Merket was released on $2,500 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court May 24.