SANTA ANA >> A former Signal Hill Police officer was arrested Friday for his alleged involvement in a road rage incident last year.
Jacob Emory Swigger, 39, of Lake Forest was charged with one felony count of excessive force by a police officer and one felony count of assault with a firearm, according to an announcement by the Orange County District Attorney’s office.
At the time of the crime, Swigger was working as a police officer, according to the statement. He is accused of committing the crime on his way into work, dressed in civilian clothing and driving his personal vehicle.
The prosecutor’s announcement said that Swigger was driving northbound on the I-5 Freeway near the Bake Parkway exit around 7 a.m. Nov. 20 when a 50-year-old man changed lanes in front of him.
The then-sworn officer is accused of honking and driving after the man for about 1½ miles, according to the statement.
Prosecutors allege that Swigger drove in front of the man, cut him off and forced him to stop.
Wielding his gun, Swigger, went up to the man in the car and ordered him to step out at gunpoint, prosecutors allege.
When the man didn’t immediately come out, Swigger is accused of pulling him out, repeatedly slamming him against the car, putting a gun to the victim’s head, dragging him behind the vehicle in the middle of traffic, prosecutors said in their statement.
Several passing motorists called 911 and reported the incident and California Highway Patrol officers arrived shortly after.
“Mr. Swigger is no longer employed by the city of Signal Hill,” said Signal Hill Police Chief Michael Langston in a prepared statement. “Police officers’ conduct on and off-duty must comport with their oath of office, the law enforcement code of ethics and strict professional standards.”
Langston said he is saddened “that someone, who had previously subscribed to a life of public service, has been charged with a crime.”
Swigger was released from duty at SHPD Feb. 20, said Lt. Ronald Sagmit.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison. Swigger is free on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned March 30.
Contact Greg Yee at 562-499-1476.
