Spokane Man Arrested for Impersonating a Police Officer in Chelan County

CHELAN COUNTY, WA — A Spokane man was arrested Thursday evening for allegedly impersonating a police officer and attempting to pull over a vehicle using red and blue dash-mounted lights.

According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the incident began around 6:40 p.m. on May 8, 2025, when a caller reported that the driver of a silver Ford Crown Victoria tried to initiate a traffic stop on Chumstick Highway near Leavenworth. The driver, later identified as Ronald Cowin, 62, reportedly passed the vehicle after the initial attempt. Approximately 10 miles later, near Dryden on eastbound US 2, the same vehicle attempted a second traffic stop.

The reporting party was able to photograph the vehicle and provide the information to authorities. Around 7:01 p.m., a trooper in Moses Lake located a vehicle matching the description and temporary license plate. The vehicle was followed onto White Trail Road and stopped at approximately 7:16 p.m. on Road 5 at Road R, about five miles outside of Quincy.

Cowin was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail on a charge of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree.

WSP emphasized that police impersonation is rare but offered safety guidance for motorists who suspect a traffic stop may be illegitimate. Drivers are encouraged to remain calm, activate their hazard lights, drive to a well-lit and public area, and call 911 to confirm the identity of the individual attempting the stop.

No further details are available at this time.