UPDATE: The Sparks Police Department says Jay Jeffers was an active member of the Sparks Police Chaplain Corp at the time of his arrest.

They said his status has been suspended and he has been removed from his duties.

A Sparks man is charged with impersonating an officer after allegedly used illegal flashing lights while driving.

The Nevada Highway Patrol says 79-year-old Jay Jeffers was arrested last Thursday after using the flashing lights to force other drivers to the side of the road as he made his way from Washoe Valley to Dayton.

Troopers say Jeffers had a Sparks Police chaplain badge and ID card, but he was not authorized to have red and blue lights in his truck.

The Highway Patrol says it is working with Sparks Police on the case.

Jeffers was booked into the Carson City Sheriff’s Office jail.

Impersonating a peace officer in any capacity is a serious crime. Per NRS 484A.480, it is illegal to have a front-facing flashing red light and/or display blue lights on a non-emergency vehicle.  

If you feel that you’re being stopped by an unmarked vehicle that is not authorized to do so, Nevada Highway Patrol recommends calling 9-1-1 or *NHP to confirm its legitimacy with Dispatch while driving to a well-lit and populated public place before stopping. 

(Nevada Highway Patrol contributed to this report.)