(WWJ) The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying any additional victims of a police impersonator they nabbed over the weekend trolling around Oakland County in a Dodge Durango outfitted with lights. He had a gun, cocaine, handcuffs a fake badge, plus a woman and two children in the car with him when officers on an undercover mission spotted him, pulled him over for the illegal lights, and discovered the contraband.
The Sheriff's Department is asking if anyone has been a victim of a related or similar incident, please contact Crime Stoppers at (800) SPEAK-UP. There is a $1,000 reward and you will remain anonymous.
Leonard Harris, 51, was arrested early Saturday morning after he appeared to be following undercover detectives working in a Lyon Township mobile home park. Police said a team of officers on an undercover detail grew suspicious when they determined they were being followed on the 400 block of Boyne Street about 3 a.m Saturday by the Durango with police lights.
Police say Harris was known to detectives as a convicted felon.
During a search of the vehicle Detectives recovered a police style (blue and red) emergency LED flashing light, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a black semi-automatic starter pistol, a police style badge, a set of police handcuffs, a police scanner and a spotlight. In addition, Detectives recovered a plastic straw containing suspected cocaine residue.
During an interview with Harris, police say he admitted to Detectives that he has utilized the police lighting equipment, the spotlight and other equipment in the Metro Detroit area. Detectives will be executing a follow-up search warrant later in the day to recover additional cocaine from the Durango which was summarily impounded. Detectives will also be following up with area police agencies for any previously reported incidents involving the impersonation of a police officer.
Inside the vehicle were two small children, ages 2 and 1. The two children were turned over to a family member at the scene.
The driver and female passenger, 24, Leanna Garcia-Stowe were arrested and lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending the issuance of criminal charges. Detectives are continuing with the investigation.
Harris was charged with: being a felon in possession by a firearm; Possession of cocaine – less than 25 grams; and use/possession of flashing lights
Garcia-Stowe was charged with Carrying Concealed weapon and possession of cocaine – less than 25 grams.
Both Harris and Garcia-Stowe were arraigned in front of Magistrate Marie Soma. Harris was given a $5,000 cash/surety bond or 10% while Garcia-Stowe was given a $5,000 personal bond.
Both Harris and Garcia-Stowe have posted bond and are no longer being held at the Oakland County Jail.
