A past mayor of Hughson, California found himself in trouble with the law after a car crash on June 26.
Fifty-six-year-old Thomas Crowder was arrested at his home within hours of the incident, but it only made the news on July 2.
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Crowder was recalled as mayor in 2010.
According to the California Highway Patrol, he now faces charges of driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and impersonating a police officer.
The accident happened around 1 p.m. on Las Palmas Avenue.
According to media reports, Canh Tram was driving with his wife when he looked in his rear-view mirror and saw a Ford pickup swerving. He suspected that the driver was drunk, but he opted not to pull over because the stoplight turned red.
Tram stopped and Crowder’s pickup rear-ended him at around 40 miles per hour.
Tram called 911 because his wife complained of chest pains.
Meanwhile, reports allege that Crowder approached the Tram’s car with alcohol on his breath and told him to get out.
The former public official reportedly told Tram that it wasn’t necessary to call the police since the damage was minimal.
Crowder then allegedly flashed a replica CHP badge and said he was an officer.
However, he eventually became angry and got back in his vehicle and fled the scene, according to reports.
Since Crowder’s behavior raised Tram’s suspicions, Tram had taken photos of both Crowder and his pickup’s license plate. This enabled officers to track him down.
The former mayor reportedly surrendered the replica badge which officers say he admitted to using.
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