Banks County Man Charged with Impersonating Police Officer

Banks County authorities have arrested a man they believed may have been impersonating a police officer.

The incident took place last Thursday, April 24 when deputies were alerted to suspicious activity involving a green Ford Explorer at Patel’s Grocery on Highway 198.

“When deputies pulled the SUV over, the driver, 32-year old Randy Cleve Baker was arrested for driving on a suspended license,” said Banks County spokesperson Melissa McFaddin. “During the arrest, deputies found a loaded handgun and rifle inside Baker’s vehicle. Baker was also wearing a gun holster and a had a police badge around his neck, as well as another police badge inside the SUV.”

Deputies say Baker admitted to being a convicted felon.  Baker was on parole after being released in January from State Prison where he served two years of a five year sentence for sexual battery.

Further investigation revealed that the items were stolen from  Madison and Jackson Counties.

Baker faces charges of impersonating a police officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, theft by receiving stolen property, driving while license suspended, and additional miscellaneous traffic charges.

Banks County investigators have joined efforts with investigators from Madison and Jackson counties and the investigation continues.