Man Charged in Montmorency County, MI, with Impersonating an Emergency Responder

LEWISTON, MI – A Michigan man accused of impersonating an emergency responder said he was “going to a call” when stopped by officers.

The Department of Natural Resources said that Douglas Allen Smith, 66, of Lewiston, pleaded not guilty in the Montmorency County 88th District Court on April 11.

Smith faces several charges including unlawful use of fire department/emergency medical services emblems, impersonating firefighter/EMS personnel, possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony and carrying a concealed weapon.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred when a conservation officer was patrolling in Albert Township on Feb. 18. The officer was passed by what appeared to be a fire emergency vehicle.

The vehicle, operated by Smith, had the words “Search and Rescue” on the side, a loud siren, and active red, white and blue emergency lights. The vehicle was recklessly traveling at a high speed around cars and through intersections, according to the DNR.

In Michigan, red and white emergency lights are used for emergency vehicles, while only law enforcement vehicles display blue lights.

The CO confirmed with Montmorency County Dispatch that there was not an active fire or EMS call in the county.

Smith pulled into the parking lot of Lewiston Fun Ones, a closed venue located on County Road 489, where the CO conducted a traffic stop.

Smith told the officer he was, “going to a call,” but it was called off.

The CO verified that Smith was not affiliated with any emergency response agency in Michigan and located an uncased pistol in the vehicle.

A report was submitted to prosecutors and Smith was arrested on March 21.

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