Tip leads to arrest of man accused of impersonating FBI agent in West Valley

PHOENIX — A West Valley man has been arrested and stands accused of impersonating an FBI agent, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced Tuesday.

Authorities were tipped off about the alleged impersonator when a citizen submitted a tip on April 10 about a person in a black Ford F-150 truck pulling over a driver on Loop 303 in Peoria near Lake Pleasant.

The person who submitted the tip also gave authorities video of the suspect’s truck, which showed red and blue lights on the front windshield, according to a social media post from DPS.

Troopers were able to identify the driver who had been pulled over. That person told DPS that the suspect had identified themselves as an FBI agent during the April incident.

Details on arrest of man accused of impersonating FBI agent

Nearly four months later, on Aug. 5, DPS took the suspect, identified as Roderick A. Gaines, 53, into custody at his home in Surprise.

At Gaines’ home, troopers found the truck that was seen near Lake Pleasant in April, which still had the red and blue lights installed, along with a jacket and a hat that both had the letters “FBI” on them.

A gun and other police equipment were also located at the home and collected as evidence in this case.

Gaines is facing one charge each of impersonating a peace officer and unlawful imprisonment.

DPS is still investigating this case and is asking anyone with information or who may have interacted with Gaines to call 877-4AZ-TIPS (429-8477). Tips can also be submitted online at azdps.gov/tips.

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