Overview
- Police in Londonderry say Mikel Beltran, 37, activated blue lights from his SUV after another driver flashed high beams on Route 28 on Sunday.
- Officers report Beltran identified himself as a Lawrence police officer, displayed a department badge, and wore a Lawrence Police jacket before they confirmed he was no longer with the force and was POST-suspended.
- Londonderry police charged him with false personation, seized the badge and jacket, released him on personal recognizance, and set a Derry District Court appearance for April 9.
- Massachusetts requires suspended officers to surrender badges, uniforms, and weapons, and a Londonderry police lieutenant called it concerning that authentic gear was still in Beltran’s possession.
- State records cite prior allegations that led to Beltran’s firing, and court documents show he is suing Lawrence police over an allegedly unconstitutional phone search.