Santa Cruz man allegedly pretends to be officer, attempts to handcuff driver

A 22-year-old man allegedly pretended to be an officer and tried to handcuff two people in Live Oak on Tuesday, a Santa Cruz County sheriff's spokesman said on Friday.
   
Gregory Calasopa, of Santa Cruz, was arrested on suspicion of battery and impersonation of a peace officer, sheriff's Lt. Bob Payne said.
   
Calasopa was driving behind a car waiting to make a left turn in the area of Maciel Avenue and Capitola Road, Payne said.
   
The 22-year-old became impatient and stepped out of his car to the other vehicle where he identified himself as an officer and attempted to handcuff the driver, according to Payne.
   
The driver and a passenger stepped out of their vehicle and exchanged words with Calasopa, who allegedly shoved one of them, Payne said.
   
The victims, who were not injured, drove away from the scene and called 911 around 3:30 p.m. to report the incident with a description of the suspect and suspect vehicle, according to Payne.
   
Deputies found Calasopa in his parked car on Soquel Avenue near state Highway 1, where they found handcuffs possibly used on the victim during the incident and arrested him, Payne said.
   
Investigators learned Calasopa had been hired by a local private security company and was not in a uniform, according to Payne.