YUMA, Ariz. (AP) -- A Yuma man faces felony charges for allegedly outfitting his car with police lights and pulling over speeders in his neighborhood.

Paul Skaists, 62, was arrested over the weekend by the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and charged with one count of impersonating a peace officer and one count of unlawful imprisonment.

The sheriff's office has been investigating the case for more than a month and compared it to a type of kidnapping because residents' freedom was being restricted.

"It's our opinion that a traffic stop itself is a detention," Capt. Eben Bratcher said. "You have police lights going and it creates implied authority - whether real or not - and a reasonable person expects to have to submit to the instructions of a law enforcement officer.

"It diminishes public trust and scares people," Bratcher added. "How many ladies are now afraid to stop because of this?"

During his arraignment Tuesday, Skaists asked the judge for permission to leave the state, saying he had an appointment with a psychiatrist in El Centro. The judge granted the request and he was allowed to remain free on his own recognizance.

The sheriff's office began hearing rumors of a civilian masquerading as a police officer several months ago, and officers spotted a red car outfitted with police lights about a month ago. After more investigation, they arrested Skaists.

Authorities so far have not heard stories of Skaists threatening to actually arrest anyone or issue a speeding ticket. Most encounters with residents appear to have been brief.

Skaists' red Dodge Charger was outfitted with police lights in the rear window and a red clip-on light on the passenger visor. Bratcher said the lighting was similar to what is commonly used on unmarked police vehicles.

---

Information from: The Sun, http://www.yumasun.com

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.