Police: Man Impersonating Officer Takes Cash From Driver

An unidentified man asked a motorist for his license and registration -- and wallet -- on Friday, and stole $160 in the process.

The suspect pulled in behind a driver in a lot in the 3700 block of North Lee Highway at about noon Friday, according to police.

The man -- dressed in plain clothes -- approached the driver, told him he was speeding and asked for his license and registration.

"When the victim pulled out his wallet, he said, 'Just give me your wallet.' So, he did," police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said.

The man returned the wallet and left in a black convertible Ford Mustang, according to police. As he was leaving, the driver noticed his wallet was $160 lighter.

The man did not identifiy himself as being with the Arlington County Police Department, but was "acting in a police capacity," Sternbeck said.

No officer is going to ask a driver for their entire wallet, Sternbeck said. Drivers are advised to use good personal judgment, he said.

"Any time someone is claiming to be an officer, they should be able to provide the proper credentials," Sternbeck said.

The suspect is described as a white man, about 45 years old, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with an average build.

Police do not believe this incident to be related to , Sternbeck said.

That incident involved two men claiming to be officers, one holding a fake search warrant, to gain entry into a person's home.