Police Charge Dracut Man With Impersonating A Police Officer

TYNGSBOROUGH -- A 45-year-old Dracut man is accused of impersonating a police officer, including a carrying a loaded gun, police baton and driving car equiped with flashing lights, according to Tyngsborough police.
Kevin Lessard, 45, of Dracut, is being held without bail pending his arraignment Monday in Lowell District Court.
Tyngsborough police charged lessard with impersonating a police officer, carrying a firearm without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a dangerous weapon (a police baton).
At 3:26 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the area of Pawtucket Boulevard near the Vesper Country Club for a report of a vehicle with flashing lights pulled over behind another vehicle, police said.
Upon arrival, officers found a red Ford Crown Victoria with New Hampshire plates and white flashing lights in the rear window.
The vehicle was pulled off to the road, offset from another vehicle, with its tires turned toward traffic, which is consistent with police tactical procedures when conducting a traffic stop.
As an officer arrived on scene and exited his cruiser, Lessard began walking toward him quickly, and the officer ordered him to stop, police said.
The officer asked Lessard if he had any police badges or a firearm in his possession, and the suspect replied that he was carrying a firearm, police allege.
Lessard was detained, and a handgun was found in a pants pocket, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
An investigation indicated that a 2016 Dodge Dart had become disabled, and Lessard allegedly pulled behind the vehicle and approached the driver, telling her that he would stay there until a tow truck arrived.
Officers recovered a loaded 9mm pistol, a retractable police-style baton, and a black holster from the suspect.
Lessard is not licensed to possess firearms, according to police.
"This was a very dangerous situation. In this case, we have a suspect armed with an illegal handgun and a police-style baton, acting like a police officer, with lights on his vehicle," Chief Richard Howe said.

"Thankfully, our officers arrived quickly and ensured that no one was harmed," he said.

Tyngsborough Police suspect that there may have been similar incidents involving this individual in the past, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Police are asking anyone with any information, or who may have had similar interactions in the past with the suspect, to call Tyngsborough Police at 978-649-7504.
Courtesy photo from Tyngsborough Police Department.