A strange and dangerous situation unfolded in Gwinnett County after a man claiming to “help police” ended up facing criminal charges for his actions on a busy highway.
Man Stops Traffic on Interstate
According to local police, Michael Purciful, 41, from Gastonia, North Carolina, stopped his car in the middle of Interstate 85 around 4 a.m.
Officers say this created a serious risk:
- Two vehicles nearly crashed into his car
- Traffic was suddenly disrupted on a high-speed road
- Drivers were put in danger due to the unexpected stop
Claimed He Was Helping Police
When questioned, Purciful told officers he was trying to assist law enforcement by managing traffic.
He claimed:
- He could handle minor incidents like property damage
- This would allow police to focus on more serious calls
- He described himself as being in a “training phase”
However, authorities quickly found issues with his claims.
No Official Law Enforcement Status
Police discovered that:
- He had not attended a police academy
- He was not a certified officer
- Items in his car included a laminated card calling him a “Civilian Traffic Control Officer”
His vehicle also had a purple light, which he said helped control traffic, but it was not authorised for such use.
Charges Filed
Under Georgia law, the following actions are illegal:
- Stopping a vehicle in an active traffic lane
- Pretending to be a law enforcement officer
As a result, Purciful has been charged with both offences and is currently being held in jail.
