Virginia Man arrested for Impersonating a Police Officer in Rockville

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Vice and Intelligence Unit (V&I) have arrested and charged 38-year-old Joshua Taber, of Virginia for charges related to impersonating a police officer.

On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, The V&I Unit was conducting surveillance at the Rockville Hotel when detectives observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe that appeared to be an unmarked police vehicle. To ensure that they were not hindering another police investigation, detectives contacted the hotel to determine who the vehicle belonged.

During their investigation, detectives determined that the vehicle was registered to Taber who identified himself as an “agent” when he checked into the hotel. He displayed what hotel staff believed to be law enforcement identification and stated that his “government-issued vehicle” needed to be parked in front of the hotel. Through further investigation, it was determined that Taber was not an “agent” and falsely identified himself.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Taber’s hotel room which revealed, multiple ID cards with the title “Special Agent” and multiple firearms. A search warrant for Taber’s vehicle was also obtained and revealed multiple firearms, including a privately manufactured firearm, also referred to as a ghost gun. The search also revealed various pieces of police paraphernalia, a ballistic vest, multiple holsters, magazines, and ammunition. Taber has been charged with impersonating a police officer and multiple firearms-related charges.