A woman called police early Tuesday morning, worried the flashing lights that pulled her over weren’t from a real police vehicle.
Altoona police responded to the 400 block of Valley View Boulevard at around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, looking for a man impersonating an officer.
“We have gotten some tips that have come in throughout the day of different people who maybe drive similar vehicles and we’re following up on those as they come in,” said Altoona Police Department Sgt. Benjamin Jones.
The suspect was driving a dark blue Dodge Charger. The victim told police the suspect lit up blue, red, and white dashboard lights to pull her over.
“Pretty much anybody can purchase them through any police supply equipment company. Online, catalogs,” Jones listed.
The victim told police the suspect came up to her car, but when he saw her on her cell phone, we went back to his own car and abruptly drove off.
“It could go from the worst case scenario where somebody’s looking to abduct somebody to somebody who just kind of fancies themself as a freelance police officer,” Jones said. “Just kind of likes, admires police, tries to be like them.”
It’s unlike Altoona police to pull someone over in an unmarked car.
“Generally speaking, whenever our officers pull people over they are in marked police vehicles,” Jones explained. “I mean, it does happen where people do get pulled over in unmarked cars, but, generally speaking, the officers are in full uniform. They have their badge on. You see their duty belt and obviously their demeanor is going to be different than someone who may be pulling somebody over for nefarious reasons.”
Police have not yet apprehended anyone. Anyone with information on the suspect or vehicle in question is asked to call Altoona Police Department.
If you are pulled over, police have these tips:
You can call 9-1-1 to make sure the person pulling you over is a real officer.
Never speed away from the scene. Instead, slow down and activate your hazard lights.