Police Impersonator Pulls Over Woman In Fairless Hills (ICYMI)

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Police in Falls Township are searching for a man they say impersonated a police officer and pulled over a woman in Fairless Hills.

The incident happened at about 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday on Lincoln Highway. Police say a 45-year-old woman was pulled over by a man in an older model, black or dark blue Ford Crown Victoria, a vehicle often used by police departments.

The vehicle had one red and one blue light inside on the dash, according to police.

Police say the woman was pulled over and directed into the parking lot of Honey Baked Ham, at 636 Lincoln Highway. There, the man acted like he was conducting a traffic stop, getting the woman's identification.

According to Falls Township Police, the woman began to suspect the man was not actually a police officer. She protested after he directed her to get out of her vehicle, the man returned her ID and she drove off, according to police.

The woman then contacted Falls police, who confirmed the man was not connected with legitimate law enforcement.

The man is described as a white male, in his 30's or early 40's, with a "dirty appearance." He had a 2-3 day growth of facial hair, body odor, an odor of smoke and alcohol on his person and scruffy hair. He spoke with a Philadelphia or New York accent, was not wearing a uniform and carried a badge believed either to be plastic or possibly a security badge.

Anyone with information about the man's whereabouts is asked to contact Falls Township Police at 215-945-3100.

Falls Police on Monday were informing the public that they do, on occasion, use unmarked patrol vehicles for traffic enforcement, including two black Crown Victoria sedans. Those vehicles have municipal license plates, spotlights and push bumpers and all officers who use them are in full police uniform.

Anyone who is stopped by an unmarked patrol vehicle can call 911 on their cellphone to speak directly to dispatchers and determine if the officer is legitimate. It is recommended that they stop in a well-let, populated area. They may also ask for a marked unit to respond to the scene if they question whether a stop is legitimate, police said.

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