CL resident arrested for impersonating officer

Steven Sawhill, a 70-year-old resident of Canyon Lake, was arrested last week for allegedly conducting traffic stops driving a white Crown Victoria sedan equipped with emergency lights. The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team initiated the investigation following reports of an individual impersonating a peace officer within the Canyon Lake community.

According to authorities, video surveillance captured Steven during one such stop, where he presented a badge reading “Agent” and “California” to an unsuspecting victim. Upon locating and inspecting Steven’s vehicle, deputies discovered a badge and several identification cards, all of which were determined to be fraudulent.

Steven was arrested and faces charges including impersonating a peace officer, false imprisonment, and vehicle code violations for unauthorized possession of emergency lights. The case remains under active investigation, with law enforcement urging anyone with further information to come forward.