TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Spring Hill Man Charged With Unlawful Use Of Police Badge

ADVERTISEMENT

By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

Updated: 05/02/2008 01:57 pm

HUDSON - The black four-door Ford Crown Victoria flew by Pasco Deputy Jay Galassi at 74 mph in a 55 mph zone Thursday morning on U.S. 19 north of Hudson Avenue.

Harrison David Welles

When Galassi pulled the driver over at New York Avenue, the routine was usual. License, registration and proof of insurance were requested.

But as soon as Harrison David Welles opened his wallet, Galassi spotted a gold badge on the left side and a concealed weapons permit on the right. Welles put his thumb over the badge trying to conceal it, according to an arrest report. Then he folded the left side of his wallet under the right while he removed his license.

Galassi asked about the badge. Welles denied there was a badge. But the deputy could see it clearly. It was embossed with "U.S. Customs, The Department of The Treasury, Special Agent," according to the report.

Welles reportedly told him he bought the wallet at a flea market and it came with the badge.

Welles was cited for speeding and arrested on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of a police badge The Ford Interceptor, a former police car, was impounded.

Welles, 45, of 436 Leafy Way Lane in Spring Hill, was released later Thursday after posting $250 bail.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT