HPD seeks man pretending to be a cop

When Houstonist was little, we'd sometimes pretend we were things we weren't — you know, an astronaut, the president, a race car driver, Dr. Quincy. But we never took it seriously (except for the Dr. Quincy part, but that's another story).

Seems some people never really grow out of that phase, though, like Weylin Spradley, a 25-year-old Houstonian who is pretending to be a security officer. Not only does Spradley have a fake police-type uniform, but he's outfitted his white 2003 Chevy Impala with emblems for "South Ridge Emergency Services," a fake security firm.

Investigators said Spradley appears to idolize law enforcement and enjoys power.

"He does have a very prominent tattoo. He has the word police in block letters written in a vertical line down his left arm," HPD Sgt. Brian Carr said.

Authorities said they are worried that Spradley could prey on civilians by pulling them over in his car or entering their homes.

Police said Spradley, who is currently out on parole, has had several run-ins with law enforcement. He has been arrested several times on weapons charges and has previously been convicted for impersonating a police officer.

HPD is looking for Spradley, who we assume wouldn't be all that hard to find. What's interesting (aside from the obvious) is that his car identifies him as "assistant chief" of his imaginary security company. So, uh ... who does Spradley report to? Should police be looking for the chief, too?