Sheriff's Dept. Makes Arrest in Oak Park Police Impersonation Case

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department on Thursday arrested a man they believe impersonated a law enforcement officer in an interaction with some local boys last month.

According to a statement issued by the Sheriff's department, Kenneth Baron, 26, of Oak Park, wearing clothing and gear similar to those worn by legitimate law enforcement officers, stopped two 17-year-old pedestrians on Smoketree Avenue by flashing a red and blue light located on the dashboard of his Ford Crown Victoria and yelling at them on June 23.

He then directed the teens to come over to his car, where he had them empty their pockets before searching them and then letting them go, the statement said.

Baron allegedly also made statements that led thee two teenage boys, also of Oak Park, to believe he was a law enforcement officer.

In an investigation that began when the incident was reported to the Sheriff's department, detectives learned Baron had a history of similar incidents in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the Sheriff's statement.

Thursday's arrest was both for impersonating a peace officer and false imprisonment, the Sheriff's department said.