New York State Police Seek Man For Impersonating An Officer, Pulling Woman Over
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New York State Police want your help locating a police impersonator.
A man driving a dark sedan, which may have been black and white, used flashing lights to pull over a woman driving westbound on Route 17 in Blooming Grove Sunday night at 6:15 p.m., according to police.
The man demanded the woman's license and registration, which he returned to her after detaining her on the side of the road for about 20 minutes, state police said.
"It's usually some kind of power trip for them and they can't help themselves," Capt. Brendan Casey, New York State Police said.
The man was wearing blue clothes and identified himself as a police officer, police said.
As CBS2's Dave Carlin reported, police have released a sketch of the suspect.
"That the suspect has a mustache and a goatee is unusual that he really didn't identify himself to the subject he pulled over is unusual," Capt. Casey said.
The man had his dark colored sedan equipped with front facing blue and red flashing lights. Police said on this route, in this region, that's never right.
"We don't show blue flashing lights forward on our police cars,' Capt. Casey said.
Police did not find anyone with proper law enforcement credentials in that spot at the time. Real officer's locations show up via gps on screens in dispatch rooms.
"I would definitely feel nervous now if I was being pulled over," Marie Moran said.
"Now that I'm hearing that it makes things very uncomfortable," Caitlin Rooney said.
Police said drivers who suspect that a cop pulling them over may be an imposter should put on their hazards and call for help.
"We recommend pulling over, if they're not in uniform ask for some shield. If they still feel uncomfortable they can call 911 and report they are being detained on the side of the road," Capt. Casey said.
Cops also suggested finding a brightly lit area to pull over.
As of Wednesday night, troopers were still looking for the man who may be an unbalanced officer wannabe, waiting to strike again.
Anyone with any information about this incident, or anyone who may have witnessed it, is asked to call New York State Police at (845) 782-7574. You can also send an email to ftips@troopers.ny.gov. All calls will be kept confidential.
