San Rafael Police Arrest Man for Impersonating CHP Officer with Disguised Camaro
San Rafael, CA – On January 15, 2025, officers from the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) pulled over a fourth-generation Chevy Camaro that appeared to be a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. The driver, 25-year-old Matthew Bennett Connolly from Richmond, California, was arrested for impersonating a police officer.
The incident occurred around 10:40 AM near Bellam Boulevard and Interstate 580. Initially, the officers mistook the Camaro for an older model CHP Camaro due to the official-looking decals on its doors. The officers who spotted the Camaro even waved to the driver. However, they became suspicious when they noticed that Connolly was not in uniform and the vehicle lacked proper law enforcement plates and registration.
Upon closer inspection, the officers discovered that the Camaro had recently been released from impound, casting doubt on Connolly's claim that the decals were for a car show. Connolly admitted to applying the CHP-style decals but was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer.
The SRPD is currently investigating whether Connolly used the vehicle in other false impersonation cases. Connolly was booked into Marin County Jail, and the Camaro has been impounded again.
Sources
CBS San Francisco: Driver suspected of impersonating CHP officer arrested in San Rafael
SFist: Richmond Man Arrested for Putting CHP Decals on His Camaro, Impersonating Officer
KTVU FOX 2: Driver caught impersonating CHP officer: San Rafael police
