Ashley Hamilton Arrested for Impersonating a Cop

Ashley Hamilton's attorney, Keith Davidson, tells TMZ, "Unfortunately, Ashley's friend was the victim of a violent crime. Ashley was acting as a Good Samaritan whom escorted his friend to the medical center."

Davidson added, "Ashley accepts responsibility for his actions and regrets the misunderstanding. He looks forward to addressing this situation at the appropriate time and thanks the LAPD for their tremendous work in this and every case. The brave men and women of the LAPD are truly LA's finest."

Songwriter Ashley Hamilton was arrested at a LGBT medical center after impersonating an officer in order to get special treatment for his friend.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Ashley took a friend to the Los Angeles LGBT Center Tuesday afternoon, to get emergency care. The waiting room was crowded and we're told Ashley asked the person at the counter if his friend could see a doctor stat. The staffer said they would have to wait their turn.

According to law enforcement ... Ashley took it up a notch by flashing a shiny badge, saying he was a cop. It worked, because the friend got immediate treatment, but the inquisitive staffer then asked George Hamilton's son where exactly he worked. Ashley confessed he wasn't really a cop.

The indignant staffer called 911, police showed up, questioned Ashley -- who admitted he flashed a badge that was a movie prop -- then they arrested him for impersonating an officer.

He was taken to the station and released Wednesday morning.