NORTH CAROLINA -- A Kernersville man was arrested by Winston-Salem police and then by U.S. marshals for impersonating a marshal.

  • Michael Robert Kwasniewski used fake gear, badge, and credentials
  • The police department then notified the marshal's office who later arrested Kwasniewski
  • Impersonating a federal officer is a federal crime

Michael Robert Kwasniewski used fake gear, badge, and credentials to try and convince Winston-Salem police officers he was a federal officer.

Police say Kwasniewski approached the officers while out on a call, and asked for their help finding a fugitive. He was armed at the time and wearing tactical gear.

"Fortunately, in this case, a very experienced Winston-Salem police officer knew almost immediately that this person was an impersonator and placed him under arrest," Steven Gladden said. He's a United States marshal with the Middle District of North Carolina.

The police department then notified the marshal's office who later arrested Kwasniewski for a second time.

Impersonating a federal officer is a federal crime.

Gladden couldn't confirm where Kwasniewski got the fakes, but said it's very rare that someone impersonates a U.S. marshal to that degree.

"They were extremely good fakes including the credentials. Badge means very little in law enforcement work. It's the credential that's presented with the badge," Gladden said.

Gladden says there is currently an investigation ongoing that could expand.