The latest chapter of an unusual story of trouble between professional motorcycle racing and law enforcement has an accused Supercross rider issuing an apology to his fans and the sport in general.

Unlike other athletic sports, professional racing, whether two wheels or four tends to avoid any controversial encounters with police, but that all changed this week with a bizarre charge against Supercross racer James Stewart.

Stewart was arrested in Orlando on Monday for falsely impersonating a police officer, which is a first-degree misdemeanor.

His friend, Quinault Thames Jehrrod, was also arrested for tampering with evidence, with the pair accused of using flashing blue and red lights to pull over another vehicle which contained off-duty police officers.

Stewart was released early Tuesday morning and issued an apology and statement yesterday.

On Monday, March 27, at 4:50 p.m., James Stewart was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer. The incident occurred on Florida’s Highway 417 in Orlando, as Stewart was taking a friend to the airport to catch his flight.

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. It’s illegal to have red and blue lights on any unauthorized vehicle.

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

Stating he 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 is reportedly continuing to work with authorities to resolve the incident quickly.

He will be racing in this weekend’s Supercross race in Arlington, Texas and will continue competing in the remainder of the Supercross series with his team.

“Thanks to all that are standing by me,” Stewart said, “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.”