85-year-old accused of impersonating deputy, pulling a gun on two men trying to help woman

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was arrested after police say he allegedly attacked a woman and claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy on Jackson Avenue on Monday.

The victim told police she was walking in the area of Meagher Street and Jackson when she was approached by Manfred Filsinger, 85, and accused of burglary. He told her he was with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and she was under arrest.

That’s when he allegedly hit her with a black stick and grabbed her. She fled to a business and told employees that she was being chased.

When two employees tried to stop Filsinger from entering the store, police say he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at them.

They let him in when he flashed a badge, but still called police. Filsinger was taken into custody when authorities arrived.

Police said he was carrying a Shelby County jailer’s badge and a .38-caliber gun.

Filsinger denied striking the woman but did reportedly confess to following her and pointing a gun at the employees. He was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and criminal impersonation.

Employees at the store recognized Filsinger as a regular and said they’ve never had trouble with him.

Filsinger’s bond was set at $10,000.