Watch Out for Police Impersonator Who Stopped Woman Driver: Report

A police impersonator stopped a car in Glen Burnie on the Fourth of July, and Anne Arundel County Police are warning drivers to be on alert for the fake officer.

Authorities say when the woman tried to use her cell phone the bogus cop sped off onto northbound Route 97. The driver was stopped about 1 a.m. at Crain Highway South near Green Branch Drive in Glen Burnie, purportedly as a possible intoxicated driver.

The impersonator identified himself as an Anne Arundel County Police officer, asked for the victim’s driver’s license then had the victim blow into a device that registered “.000” and had the victim walk in a straight line, police say, in the manner of DUI tests. The victim told investigators the suspect’s demeanor was intimidating and threatening during the course of the stop. When she tried to use a cell phone, the suspect said she was free to go, returned to his car and drove away.

The suspect vehicle is described as a white Ford Crown Victoria that displayed a flashing blue and red dome light on the roof. The vehicle had grey wheel covers, police package spotlight, a magnetic “bubble” light on the roof with a power cord going into the vehicle. The driver’s door had a decal “Police” about the length of the door. The script was black in color, outlined in yellow.

The impostor was described a white man, 6-feet tall, with a medium build, brown hair, ad a mustache. During the traffic stop he wore a navy blue uniform shirt and pants, a silver Anne Arundel badge with the name “Williams” inscribed on the badge and a generic “police” patch on shoulder. The suspect was not wearing any sort of duty belt, firearm, or radio; however he was holding handcuffs in his hand.

Anyone with information should call the department’s Tips Line at 410-222-4700. Callers can remain anonymous.

Tips to Spot Police Impersonators

Anne Arundel County police officers are trained to identify themselves and provide identification when conducting traffic stops in unmarked vehicles. Police say that if you feel the person is not a bona fide officer, call 9-1-1 and ask dispatch to verify. Ask to see all credentials (badge and commission card which contains a picture and thumb print) and you can request a supervisor to either call you or come to your location.

• If the vehicle stopping you is not a marked unit, the emergency lights should be built in and are usually not a temporary light placed on the vehicle.
• Try to stop in a well-lit area or a location where there are a lot of people present.
• Turn on your emergency flashers but don’t turn off your car.
• Do not get out of the vehicle to meet the officer. For safety purposes, officers usually want you to remain in the vehicle.
• Lock your door.
• Look for a uniform, official department jacket, and other equipment used by police officers for the performance of their duties.
• If the officer is in plainclothes, look for identifying clothing and equipment. If unsure, explain to the “officer” that you are unsure about the situation and ask them to display official department identification and badge. Ask where they work and if you can contact their dispatch center to confirm their identity. You may also request a marked patrol unit respond.
• Pay attention to what they are asking. Most officers will advise you of the reason for the stop and request your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
• If they immediately tell you to get out of the car without any preliminary questions, be suspicious.
• Trust your instincts. If they don’t seem to be a real police officer they are probably not.

Look for these clues for imposters:

• Uniform pants does not match uniform shirt
• Uniform shirt does not have patches, silver or gold buttons, epaulets on shoulders, pins on collar
• Impersonator does not have utility belt with firearm, magazine pouch, baton, handcuff case, radio, etc.
• No identification, police commission card, or badge
• Vehicle is not marked and does not have red and blue flashing lights
• Extreme nervousness on the part of the impersonator when speaking
• Does not introduce themselves or agency
• Asks for inappropriate information or makes inappropriate requests