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Man Arrested for Impersonating LAFD Firefighter

A man was arrested for impersonating a Los Angeles County firefighter after he was pulled over Tuesday morning.

Around 9:04 a.m., a deputy pulled over a 2005 black Mercedes Benz in Loma Linda for a "vehicle code violation," and the driver identified himself as a Battalion Fire Chief, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Central Station.

An investigation revealed the driver, later identified as 55-year-old Ronald Dota of Loma Linda, had a suspended Arizona driver's license, and was not a "member of any fire department," sheriffs said in a statement.

The deputy found a "dangerous weapon," fake LA County Fire Department credentials, emergency lights and magnet mounted antennas in his car, according to San Bernardino County sheriffs. More property that belonged to the LA County Fire Department was found at Dota's home after authorities obtained a warrant.

Dota was arrested for impersonating a firefighter, possession of a dangerous weapon, and for having fake government identification and credentials. He was booked at the Central Detention Center.

Anyone who may have interacted with Dota while he identified himself as a fire official, or with information about the investigation was encouraged to call the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Central Station at 909-387-3545.

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