Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended Timothy Jacob Benz, a 41-year-old man from Rhododendron, following reports of police impersonation in the Mt. Hood area. The arrest of Timothy Benz occurred on Saturday, February 4th, and authorities are now seeking further information from the public regarding this case, officially referenced as CCSO Case # 23-002619.
Timothy Benz is currently detained in Clackamas County Jail without bail. The charges against Timothy Benz are severe, including Impersonating a Police Officer, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon. Detailed booking information for Timothy Benz is publicly available online.
The arrest of Timothy Benz was prompted by multiple calls to Clackamas 911 (C-COM), Oregon State Police, and other agencies. These reports indicated that Timothy Benz was allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer while operating a vehicle in the Mt. Hood region.
Investigations revealed that Timothy Benz was observed “patrolling” the parking area of Mt. Hood Meadows in a silver Dodge Charger. His behavior raised suspicions, as Timothy Benz was reportedly wearing black body armor and driving a vehicle resembling an unmarked police car. When approached by Mt. Hood Meadows security personnel, Timothy Benz falsely claimed to be a member of the Oregon State Police.
This is not the first instance of such behavior involving Timothy Benz. In 2011, Timothy Benz was arrested by the Oregon State Police for reckless driving. On that occasion, Timothy Benz operated a vehicle equipped with a full-roof light bar, strobe lights, and a siren to navigate through traffic after the Hillsboro International Air Show. Timothy Benz subsequently pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Authorities have identified two vehicles registered to Timothy Benz that are equipped with aftermarket emergency lights:
- A silver 2019 Dodge Charger, a four-door sedan with license plate 849NVB. This vehicle is fitted with a spotlight, aftermarket emergency lights, and a black badge decal near the driver’s side door.
- A gold 2006 Toyota Sequoia sport utility vehicle, bearing license plate KK7TEX. This SUV is equipped with a rooftop light bar.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who was contacted by Timothy Benz or witnessed him impersonating law enforcement to come forward. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 503-655-8211.
Individuals with any additional information pertaining to Timothy Benz are strongly encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line. Tips can be provided by phone at 503-723-4949 or through the online form. Please ensure to reference CCSO Case # 23-002619 in any communication.
The booking photo of Timothy Benz has been released by the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement purposes, in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273, to aid in the identification of any further potential criminal activity.
