A Chambersburg, Pennsylvania man has been charged with impersonating a public servant after allegedly posing as fire police at the scene of a vehicle crash. Pennsylvania State Police filed charges against Gregory Warne, 40, following an incident and subsequent investigation.

Traffic Direction and Initial Encounter

On February 17th, around 8:30 a.m., a trooper responded to a crash in the 4100 block of Molly Pitcher Highway. While on scene, Warne, dressed as a member of fire police, approached the trooper’s vehicle and requested additional flares.

Unauthorized Vehicle and Prior Warnings

According to charging documents, Warne had been directing traffic prior to the trooper’s arrival. After obtaining the flares, he placed them in his vehicle, which was equipped with flashing yellow lights typically reserved for towing companies and emergency officials, and then drove away. Troopers initiated an investigation after this encounter.

Investigation Reveals Pattern of Behavior

Fire Department Concerns

The investigation included speaking with the chief of the Marion Fire Department. The chief stated that Warne had repeatedly appeared at emergency scenes and had been asked to leave on multiple occasions. He had also previously applied to join the fire department but was denied due to Megan’s Law.

Warne's Admissions

Troopers contacted Warne, who admitted to being dismissed from a local fire department and struggling to join others. He was asked to return to the state police station with the flares. At the station, Warne reportedly claimed he attended emergency scenes as a “Joe Schmoe” to assist, stating, “there’s no fire police in the area.”

Multiple Incidents Reported

Further investigation revealed that other troopers had encountered Warne at previous incidents, where he had also requested flares. Troopers informed Warne they were aware he was not affiliated with any fire company and had been repeatedly asked to refrain from attending emergencies, claims he denied.

Charges Filed

As a result of the investigation, Pennsylvania State Police charged Warne on Thursday with four misdemeanor offenses, including impersonating a public servant, and two summary offenses related to the unauthorized use of yellow lights on his vehicle.