An 18-year-old Florida resident is receiving widespread attention after being ticketed by a deputy for “impersonating law enforcement” with his humorous “Booty Patrol” truck that resembles a US Border Patrol vehicle. The incident has sparked a frenzy on social media, with many criticizing the sheriff’s office for taking the situation too seriously.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office pulled over Gabriel Luviano, the owner of the white Chevy Silverado pickup, and issued him a $113 citation for adding red and blue lights to his vehicle. Luviano, a resident of Bradenton, had decorated his truck with a green diagonal stripe, an official-looking federal emblem, and red and blue flashing lights on its dashboard. However, what sets his truck apart from a real Border Patrol vehicle is the words “BOOTY PATROL” written in large capital letters and “National Booty Behavior Protection” plastered on the side.
According to Luviano, the idea behind his truck was simply to have a little fun. He explained that it was never his intention to impersonate law enforcement or pull people over. “It was just to have a little fun, you know?” he said in an interview with NBC 2. “It was never my intent to pull over people or nothing.”
Since the incident, many have come to Luviano’s defense, claiming that the sheriff’s office has blown the situation out of proportion. Several residents have even commented on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook post, stating that the “Booty Patrol” truck has never caused any harm and is not meant to be mistaken for a real law enforcement vehicle.
Responding to the criticism, the sheriff’s office defended its actions on social media, stating that it was simply trying to raise awareness and ensure the safety of the community. The office also asked anyone who has been pulled over by the “suspicious vehicle” to come forward and report it.
Meanwhile, Luviano maintains that he has never pulled anyone over on the road, nor does he plan on doing so. He also clarified that he only uses the lights while his truck is parked and on private property, for the purpose of taking photos and videos.
Luviano’s “Booty Patrol” truck is not the first of its kind. In 2021, Californian Jacob McGennis gained widespread attention for his Ford F-150 Raptor which resembled a Border Patrol vehicle. However, instead of “Booty Patrol,” McGennis opted for “THOT PATROL” as his improvised agency. McGennis, who frequently posts photos and videos of his truck on Instagram, has earned thousands of followers and has even caught the attention of law enforcement officers who find his truck amusing.
It remains to be seen how Luviano’s situation will unfold. Many have come to his defense, stating that the deputy’s actions were unnecessary and that Luviano’s truck is simply a show car. However, the incident has raised questions about the use of lights and decals on personal vehicles, especially those that can resemble law enforcement vehicles. For now, the “Booty Patrol” truck remains a popular and comical sight on the streets of Florida.
