Former Wake County Sheriff’s deputy arrested for DWI, impersonating law enforcement

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a former deputy after he was charged Wednesday with driving while impaired and impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to a release.

The sheriff’s office said Thursday that Fuquay-Varina police arrested Ray Michael Bentkowski, 24, outside Abbey Road Tavern & Grill on North Main Street, according to a release.

Bentkowski was fired as a deputy Sept. 30, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. But Fuquay-Varina police said they found a badge, a sheriff’s office jacket, a ball cap and sealed gas mask cartridge in his possession when he was arrested.

Police asked Bentkowski if he was a deputy, the release said. Bentkowski told police he was a former deputy. Fuquay police “later charged” Bentkowski with impersonation of a law enforcement officer, but didn’t provide details about the arrest.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office may pursue additional charges against Bentkowski, a spokesperson said in an email.

The sheriff’s office said Bentkowski had been placed on administrative leave Sept. 16 after he was served with a domestic violence protective order. That day, his service weapon, vest and patrol vehicle were retrieved, according to a release.

After he was fired Sept. 30, deputies went to his home to retrieve other equipment, but Bentkowski told them he could not find them, according to a release.

The equipment found during Wednesday night’s arrest is the same equipment Bentkowski said he could not locate, according to a release.

He also was charged with carrying a concealed gun, according to arrest reports.

He is out on a $500 secured bond.

This story was originally published December 12, 2019 at 5:08 PM.