Repeat Offender Allegedly Impersonated Cop in Maple Grove

Aug 20

A Champlin man is accused of once again impersonating a police officer after authorities say he outfitted his SUV with lights, a siren and tried to pull over another driver in Maple Grove last month.

According to a criminal complaint, 27-year-old Trevon James Mattson faces one felony and three gross misdemeanor charges for the July 25 incident.

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Prosecutors say a citizen called 911 after a silver unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe with red, blue and amber lights came up quickly behind him on Interstate 94 near Maple Grove. The caller told dispatchers he began to pull over when the Tahoe activated its lights and a siren, but noticed the vehicle had no police markings and displayed a regular Minnesota “100 Club” plate instead of a law enforcement plate. Concerned he was being targeted by an impersonator, the driver continued on and alerted authorities.

Rogers officers soon spotted the Tahoe and pulled it over. Court documents say Mattson, the registered owner, was wearing a tactical-style vest equipped with a taser, pepper spray, handcuffs, a badge, flashlight and a body-worn camera. He claimed he worked for a private security company, Active Watch Protection Agency, and denied using the lights or siren. But officers contacted the reporting driver again, who confirmed Mattson’s Tahoe had used both the siren and flashing lights while appearing to communicate on a police-style radio and laptop.

Prosecutors noted Mattson has multiple open cases involving similar conduct. He has pending charges in Hennepin County for impersonating an officer and carrying a concealed pistol without a permit, and in Dakota County for operating a security vehicle with prohibited markings. Because this case involves a repeat violation within five years, one of the charges was elevated to a felony.

Mattson was initially arrested in July, but released after charges weren’t filed initially. A warrant has now been issued for Mattson’s arrest. Bail was set at $20,000 with conditions that he remain law-abiding, make all court appearances, avoid drugs and alcohol, not possess weapons, and refrain from dressing in a security uniform except while on duty through his job.

He faces a maximum of two years in prison and a $4,000 fine on the felony count, along with up to 364 days in jail and fines of $3,000 on each gross misdemeanor count if convicted.

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