Maryland State Police Apprehend Suspected Police Impersonator on I-695

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Maryland State Police have arrested a 59-year-old man suspected of impersonating a police officer and attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, when police received a call from a motorist reporting a driver in a black 2014 Ford Explorer who had activated blue and white flashing lights on his vehicle and was attempting to initiate a traffic stop.

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The motorist, who was an off-duty military law enforcement officer, did not pull over for the Ford Explorer. Instead, he contacted 9-1-1. According to preliminary investigations, the driver of the Ford Explorer, later identified as Eric Baummer of Mount Airy, Maryland, drove past the reporting motorist, changed lanes, and then positioned himself in front of the motorist’s vehicle. Baummer then exited I-695 at Hollins Ferry Road. While still on the phone with police, the off-duty officer followed Baummer to a gas station located in the 4300 block of Hollins Ferry Road in Lansdowne. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack and officers from the Baltimore County Police Department responded to the scene. Baummer was taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with impersonating a police officer. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have encountered similar circumstances related to this investigation to contact the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack at 410-780-2700. This incident highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement. Drivers are reminded that only authorized law enforcement vehicles are permitted to use emergency lights, and any attempt by an unauthorized individual to conduct a traffic stop should be reported immediately.