Asheville -- February 13, 2026: An Asheville man surrendered to authorities after being charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer, raising concerns about the potential dangers and legal ramifications of such actions in North Carolina.
Rodrigo Barrera-Lozada, 22, of Asheville, turned himself in on or around Feb. 13, 2026, after the Asheville Police Department (APD) issued charges against him. Barrera-Lozada faces two counts of impersonating a police officer in Buncombe County. He also faces a separate felony charge for the same offense in Henderson County.
The Asheville Police Department reportedly assisted in the investigation of the Buncombe County charges. The felony charge is reportedly being handled by authorities in Henderson County.
The charges stem from Barrera-Lozada allegedly posting photos of himself in a police uniform on social media.
The APD confirmed Barrera-Lozada's surrender in updates to prior news releases. The investigation remains ongoing.