Possible Cop Impersonator Patted Down Woman On Route 108: HCPD

COLUMBIA, MD — After a possible police impersonator was reported in Columbia, the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has issued tips to keep people safe.

A woman told police that a man in a dark car stopped her and patted her down Wednesday night on MD 108, and she believes he may have been a police impersonator, officials said.

"We have very little information about this specific incident at this early stage, but it's a good reminder for people to be aware," Howard County police spokeswoman Lori Boone said in a statement to Patch Thursday afternoon.

The police department issued a series of tips for those who get stopped.

What to do if the officer is in an unmarked vehicle, according to HCPD:

Activate hazards to show compliance with the stop.

Proceed to a well-lit public place nearby.

Not sure if the person is a police officer?

"Call 911 and ask the dispatcher to verify that there is an officer attempting to pull you over," HCPD advises.

Upon receiving confirmation that the person making the stop is a law enforcement official, stop immediately.

Dispatchers who cannot verify unmarked vehicles are police can send officers out to the scene.

Drivers stopped by plainclothes officers may request uniformed law enforcement respond as well.

HCPD Traffic Stop Tips by elizabeth on Scribd

Drivers may want to turn on their hazards to let police know they intend to pull over, Howard County police advise. Only 3 percent of traffic stops result in a search of a person and/or vehicle, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Image via Pexels.