Fairhope PD: Suspect impersonated police officer

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Fairhope police officials said on Sunday, December 23, 2012, at around 2:10 p.m., a suspect impersonated a police officer on State Highway 181 just north of State Highway 104 in Fairhope.

According to reports, the victim was travelling alone, driving northbound on State Highway 181.  Police said the victim said a white Ford Crown Victoria, similar to an unmarked police vehicle, with blue lights concealed in the grill, pulled her over. 

Investigators said the victim told them a white male adult, approximately 5’ 9”, average weight, brown and grey hair, approximately 50 years of age, wearing a long sleeve white oxford style shirt and dark colored pants, exited the white vehicle and approached her car in a fashion similar to standard police procedure. 

Reports state the suspect was wearing a holstered pistol on his right hip and talked to her through her driver’s window. 

Police said when the suspect asked the victim for her driver’s license, she told him that she was calling 911 on her cell phone to verify his identity.  Authorities said that point the suspect returned to his car and departed the scene. 

The victim did not exit her vehicle and no assault occurred.

The Fairhope Police Department said officers contacted other law enforcement agencies in the area, and none had officers or cars in that area at that time attempting to stop motorists.

If anyone has any further details on this offense, or was in the area and witnessed the incident, they are asked to notify the Fairhope Police Department at (251) 928-2385.

Investigators said as a standard precaution, any driver who is signaled to stop by an unmarked car, even if the unmarked car is displaying flashing lights, should follow these simple rules:

• Activate your vehicle’s flashing hazard lights to signal that you are aware that a possible police vehicle is trying to stop you.
• Proceed to the first available well-lit, occupied area before stopping, such as an open gas station, restaurant, or convenience store.
• Use your cell phone to call 911.  The 911 operator can verify whether the vehicle is legitimate by calling the law enforcement agency assigned to that area. 
• Remain in your vehicle.  If the officer is not in uniform, ask to see photo ID.  You can also request for a uniformed officer to be dispatched to the scene.
• Do not speed up or try to evade the vehicle.
• Police departments nationwide are aware of these universal precautions.