Summary (tl;dr)

Jose Morin, 43, was arrested in Von Ormy, Texas, on felony charges of impersonating a public servant and unlawfully carrying a weapon after allegedly directing traffic at a construction site in a police uniform and a marked vehicle without proper credentials.

Essential Background

Jose Morin had previously applied to become a reserve officer with the Dilley Police Department but was not hired because he did not meet the necessary qualifications. Although he holds a peace officer license, records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement indicate that he has not held an active law enforcement commission since January.

The Full Story

On Sunday morning, July 19, 2026, Von Ormy police officers responded to an anonymous tip regarding a man directing traffic without proper credentials at a highway construction site along Interstate 35 in southwest Bexar County. Upon encountering 43-year-old Jose Morin, who was wearing a police uniform and operating a vehicle with police markings, he claimed to be a reserve officer with the Dilley Police Department. Dilley PD Chief Steven Hernandez confirmed that Morin had never been employed by their department. Morin stated he was working for Oso Public Safety, a San Antonio-based traffic control contractor. He was subsequently arrested and faces a felony charge for impersonating a public servant and a misdemeanor charge for unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Why It Matters

The arrest of an individual impersonating a police officer raises significant public safety concerns, particularly when the person is armed and directing traffic in an official-looking capacity. Such incidents can erode public trust in law enforcement and create confusion or dangerous situations for motorists and construction workers relying on legitimate authority figures for guidance. The charges highlight the serious legal ramifications for falsely representing oneself as a public servant.

Geographic Location

• Interstate 35, Von Ormy, Bexar County, Texas, United States (location of arrest while impersonating an officer)
• Dilley, Frio County, Texas, United States (police department Jose Morin falsely claimed affiliation with)
• San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States (headquarters of Oso Public Safety, the traffic control contractor Morin claimed to work for)