RIDGECREST — A Vidalia man was arrested Monday for allegedly claiming to be a Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy during a traffic stop.

Kevin Henry Kiekel, 59, 323 Cowan St., Vidalia, was charged with illegally carrying of weapons and impersonating a police officer.

Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau said Kiekel was pulled over on U.S. 84 in Ridgecrest driving a 2006 Chevrolet pickup, which had a strobe light flashing inside. The arrest was made at 10:09 p.m., Moreau said.

Moreau said when the trooper stopped Kiekel, he reportedly identified himself as a law enforcement officer, which Moreau said he is not.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Hedrick said Kiekel reportedly claimed to be a member of the sheriff’s office felony task force.

Hedrick said he was appointed as chief of the felony task force approximately 10 years ago by then sheriff Randy Maxwell when the unit was founded. Hedrick said during his time with the task force, he was not aware of Kiekel ever being involved in it and said he did not know Kiekel.

“This was a great service that the trooper did for the Miss-Lou area,” Hedrick said. “I observed the badge and it was not our felony task force badge.”

Hedrick said Kiekel allegedly had a Louisiana bail bondsman badge, which Kiekel had reportedly ordered for himself.

Concerning the firearm charge, Moreau said Kiekel was reportedly carrying a firearm when he was not supposed to be.

Kiekel was released on a promise to appear in court on March 8, said a sheriff’s office booking deputy.