By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A Fort Payne man has been arrested for impersonating a peace officer, along with other charges.

On Wednesday, April 28, a victim came into the Fort Payne Police Department (FPPD) to file a report for harassment after following a Nissan Rogue down Beason Gap. While stopped at a red light, the victim stated a Black male with a gun and wearing a tactical vest approached their vehicle and engaged in a conversation while pointing the firearm at the victim's head. The victim stated the individual said he was a federal agent before driving away.

The victim identified the individual's tag and helped begin an investigation with FPPD, along with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to obtain a search warrant.

Richard Brian Tra'Bael (50 of Fort Payne, formerly of Ga.) was apprehended at a local campground and charged with Impersonating a Peace Officer, Possession of Forged Instruments 2nd, and Aggravated Assault/Menacing. Others arrested in the incident were Shaddai'yah Shadowlyn Tra'Bael (54) and Vanessa Antionette Allen (28), who were both charged with Possession of Forged Instruments. All three were transferred to the DeKalb County Detention Center.

Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis stated that if anyone feels they have been a victim of Mr. Tra’Bael while he was acting as an officer to please contact investigators at the Fort Payne Police Department at 256-845-1414.