Police identify man accused of flashing gold badge to children

MEQUON (WITI) -- Mequon police say they have identified an individual accused of approaching two juveniles on W. Freistadt Road and displaying a gold badge back on March 10th.

Police say on that date, just before noon, two girls (ages 10 and 11) were walking to a park when a vehicle stopped next to them.

The vehicle's occupant proceeded to ask several questions about the girls' ages and where they went to school -- before displaying the gold badge without explanation.

Police say the vehicle left, and the girls walked to the park. The vehicle reportedly drove past the park's entrance a couple times and eventually entered the park.

Police say the man approached the girls and for a second time, asked them questions about their school.

The man then left the area without incident.

Police shared information on this incident with other law enforcement agencies -- and learned this incident has similarities to an incident reported to Brown Deer Police in January.

Police now say they have identified the individual, and have produced evidence that provided probable cause for police to believe the suspect committed a crime of impersonating a peace officer.

The individual was taken into custody on March 24th. He is a 19-year-old West Bend man who has admitted to being the man who had contact with the young girls on March 10th.

Police do not believe the suspect had any intention of causing harm to the young girls in this incident.

Police say this man has been a reserve officer/explorer for other law enforcement agencies in the Ozaukee/Washington County area.

Additional charges, including possession of a controlled substance and carrying a concealed weapon are being pursued in this case.

The Mequon Police Department is working in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office and the Mequon-Thiensville School District.