THONOTOSASSA, Florida -- The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a man after he allegedly attempted to conduct a traffic stop on an undercover Sheriff's Office vehicle using unauthorized emergency lights.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred on June 24, 2026, when a black Chevrolet Suburban activated red and blue emergency lights while following an undercover Sheriff's Office vehicle on U.S. Highway 301 North in Thonotosassa. Investigators said the driver appeared to be attempting to initiate a traffic stop.

Deputies quickly intervened and conducted a traffic stop on the Chevrolet Suburban. During the investigation, detectives recovered what the Sheriff's Office described as an illegal emergency light setup, an additional two-foot emergency light bar and a firearm.

Authorities arrested Nadi Jabari, 46, who was charged with:

• False personation
• Unlawful use of blue light
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

"When someone falsely presents themselves as law enforcement, they threaten the trust that exists between deputies and the community we serve," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This individual's actions were dangerous, deliberate, and illegal. We will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to impersonate a deputy and use that deception to intimidate or endanger others."

The Sheriff's Office said impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious offense that can endanger the public and undermine trust in legitimate law enforcement. Officials reminded motorists who are uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate to drive to a well-lit public location and call 911.

The investigation remains ongoing. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, any additional information will be released through the agency's Public Affairs Office.