San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart has spoken out regarding his arrest on Monday this week after he was caught impersonating a police officer while driving on Florida’s Highway 417 in Orlando as he was taking a friend to the airport.

According to police reports, Stewart allegedly used his vehicle lights and red and blue lights to slow down a vehicle containing off duty police officers that had passed his vehicle.

Stewart was in street clothes and never exited his vehicle during the incident. No confrontation or exchange of words between the officers and Stewart occurred, and he was not charged with any dangerous driving or any other negative action.

The police report indicates that once Stewart slowed the police officers’ vehicle that he then drove towards the airport. Several miles later, Stewart and his friend were pulled over at the airport where they fully cooperated with police.

Stewart is extremely sorry that the incident occurred and that any negative inferences may arise that reflect poorly on his fans, his team, or his sponsors. Stewart will continue working with authorities to resolve the incident quickly.

“Thanks to all that are standing by me. I hope to resolve this incident quickly and show people that I am someone that upholds the law and someone they can respect as a competitor and as a person,” the 25-year-old today commented.

Stewart is free to race and is preparing for this weekend’s Supercross race in Arlington, Texas. He and his team will continue competing in the remainder of the Supercross series.