Arkansas State Police Arrest Man for Impersonating Deputy

Have you ever wondered what happens to people who impersonate an officer of the law? I believe we are about to find out. Arkansas State Police (ASP) have arrested a Hot Springs man accused of posing as a law enforcement officer while driving a vehicle equipped with blue lights, a siren, radios, and other police gear. Have you ever had an encounter with this man? If so, Arkansas State Police would love to hear from you.

Arkansas Crime - The Story So Far...

According to ASP, a Criminal Investigation Division special agent attempted to stop a black Chevrolet Tahoe on US Highway 79 in Ouachita County on June 26 after the vehicle approached at a high rate of speed with blue lights activated.

The driver, identified as Dennis Truelove, 66, of Hot Springs, claimed he worked for the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office. The agent ended the initial encounter because of the vehicle's position in the roadway, then contacted the sheriff's office. Deputies confirmed no one matching Truelove's description or driving the Tahoe worked for the agency.

A short time later, the vehicle was located on Highway 9 north of Holly Springs, where the agent conducted a second traffic stop.

Investigators say Truelove presented a sheriff's badge and identification card. Inside the SUV, authorities found:

An in-car radio tuned to the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office frequency
A handheld radio programmed to the same frequency
A bulletproof vest marked "Sheriff"
Additional law enforcement equipment

Truelove was arrested and taken to the Ouachita County Detention Center.

Serious Charges Filed

Truelove is now facing charges of:

First-Degree Criminal Impersonation
Unlawful Use of Blue Lights
Multiple traffic offenses

During a court appearance on June 29, a judge set Truelove's bond at $10,000.

Following the hearing, Arkansas State Police executed a search warrant on the Tahoe and seized several blue lights, a siren, and law enforcement radios.

Investigation Continues

State Police are asking anyone who may have encountered Truelove or the vehicle to contact ASP Troop F at (870) 226-3713.

The charges are allegations. Truelove is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Get our free mobile app

Montana Guardsman Compete at 55th Annual Winston P. Wilson Small Arms Championship in North Little Rock, Arkansas

Military members competed in events including reinforcing readiness, precision, and teamwork throughout the championship.

Gallery Credit: JD Knight

The Wienermobile Visits Townsqaure Texarkana

Last week, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was in town for a few days to hang out at the Four State Fair & Rodeo and show up for a charity Wiener Dog racing event downtown. One of their stops was our studio parking lot for a few photos and a quick interview.

Meet "At the Grill Isaac" and "Grill 'Em Up Gabby", two very enthusiastic Oscar Mayer representatives. They were driving the wiener, I mean the winner of the inaugural Wiener 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2025... "Slaw Dog". We wish them luck in the upcoming Wienie 500 on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver