Man Arrested for Impersonating a Firefighter

LOMA LINDA>> On Tuesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 9:04 a.m., Deputy Cook assigned to the Central Station conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 black Mercedes Benz for a vehicle code violation. During the course of the traffic stop, the driver who was later identified as Ronald Dota, represented himself as a Battalion Fire Chief. After further investigation, Dota was discovered to have a suspended Arizona driver’s license and was not a member of any fire department. A dangerous weapon was located inside his vehicle within reaching distance. There were other items located including a false LA County Fire Department credentials, hidden emergency lights and exterior magnet mounted antennas. Dota was arrested and booked at the Central Detention Center. A search warrant was authored for his residence and granted by an honorable judge of the San Bernardino Superior Court. The search warrant was served at his apartment without incident, where additional property belonging to LA County Fire Department was located and recovered. Anyone who has had contact with Ronald Dota identifying himself as a fire official, is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Central Station, which patrols the City of Loma Linda. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Central Station at (909)387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.