Dapto Teenager Pleads Not Guilty to Impersonating Police Officers in Alleged Fake Traffic Stops
An 18-year-old from Dapto has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of impersonating police officers and exercising their powers, following allegations that he outfitted his car with flashing lights to conduct fake, late-night traffic stops across the Illawarra region.
Alleged Incidents on Primbee Bypass and Shell Cove
According to police reports, Zenetti Lerovski is accused of stopping an 18-year-old female driver on the Primbee Bypass around 10:30 PM on January 14. It is alleged that he used blue and red flashing lights installed in his Mitsubishi vehicle to pull her over. Lerovski, who was not wearing a uniform, reportedly asked the driver for her licence, took her phone back to his car, and informed her that he was issuing a warning for speeding. The woman later reported the incident to authorities.
Approximately half an hour later, Lerovski allegedly pulled over a 21-year-old man on Cove Boulevard in Shell Cove, demanding his licence and registration. The man left the scene and immediately contacted emergency services by calling triple-0. Police initiated an investigation into these events, leading to Lerovski's arrest and subsequent charging one month later.
Court Proceedings and Future Hearings
During a recent appearance at Port Kembla Local Court, Lerovski's defence lawyer, Graeme Morrison, entered the not guilty pleas on his behalf. Dressed in black and white, Lerovski waited outside the courtroom while the legal proceedings took place. Morrison requested that the court excuse Lerovski from attending the next scheduled hearing, a request that was granted by the acting registrar.
The matter is set to return to Port Kembla Local Court in May for further proceedings. This case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the impersonation of law enforcement officials in the Illawarra area.
