Man Arrested in Atascadero for Impersonating Cop

ATASCADERO-An Atascadero patrol officer noticed what appeared to be an occupied unmarked police car near a Shell Gas Station early this morning. The driver appeared to be talking on a mobile radio as the APD officer drove by. The officer subesqenly contacted the driver, later identified as Mark Ryan Polini. Polini was dressed in black BDU pants and black shirt and was wearing a California Highway Patrol baseball cap.

When questioned, it was determined Polini is not a police officer , nor is he affliated with any law enforcement agency. Polini consented to a seearch of his vehicle which revealed a loaded pistol, handcuffs, two badges, several “air soft” pistols and holsters, as well as an expandable police baton. Officers also found collectable coins and jewelry inside the vehicle as well.

Polini’s black 2001 Crown Victoria was elaborately outfitted with a dashboard camera, front and rear strobe lights, siren, mobile data computer,radios and prisoner screen.
Polini is believed to be unemployed and living in the San Jose area but has ties to SLO county. Detectives continue to investigate this incident. The CHP has been notified.

Polini was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail and held on $20,000 bail for possesion of a concealed and loaded firearm, posession of a dangerous weapon (baton), and impersonating a peace officer.