PHOENIX -- A police impersonator conducted a traffic stop on two teenage girls last month, Phoenix police said.

The girls were pulled over by a white Crown Victoria with a light system shortly before 11 p.m. on March 21.

Believing the Crown Victoria was a real police car, the 14-year-old driver pulled into the parking lot of the Desert Sky Mall.

Police said Michael Escobar, 33, got out of the flashing car wearing a "police-type uniform" with a bullet-proof vest and a gun belt equipped with Mace, handcuffs and a handgun.

When mall security drove past the two cars, police said, Escobar walked back to his car and called 911. Police said he told the dispatcher he was with a state recovery agency and was out with a vehicle that was driving erratically.

A Phoenix police officer was dispatched to the scene and discovered that Escobar did not work for a state agency and was impersonating an officer, according to police.

Escobar was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, misconduct involving weapons, impersonating an officer and misconduct involving body armor.

Police said the incident is a reminder to drivers to pull over in a well-lighted area during a traffic stop. Officers are required to carry their badges and commission cards, so drivers can always ask to see their identification.

If a driver doubts the officer's identity or is pulled over by an officer from an outside agency, the driver can call 911. The 911 dispatcher will call the outside agency or send another officer to the scene.