Prattville Police Launch Search for Fake Officer Pulling Drivers Over

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Feb 15, 2013 at 6:21 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 15, 2013 at 9:58 PM CDT

Many wouldn't think twice about it. You see blue flashing lights, and you pull over. But what if that person pulling you over isn't a police officer? The scenario has happened twice in Prattville in the last week and a half.

Authorities are warning drivers about a man posing as a police officer and pulling people over in the Prattville area. Police say the man is dangerous and possibly armed.

Police say this impersonator is a white man with an average build in his 30s or 40s with grey streaks in his combed back hair.

Prattville resident Nicole Guerin says she is driving with caution.

"I think it's incredibly frightening that somebody in Prattville is doing that," she says. "It could be me he's trying to pull over."

Prattville Police are looking for a man they say is impersonating an officer.

"I consider it dangerous," says Police Chief Mark Thompson.

Police Chief Mark Thompson says on the morning of February 5, a man driving a white Ford Crown Victoria with red and blue flashing lights on the dashboard and grill pulled a woman over near the Pine Level Exit on Interstate-65.

"He tried to actually, physically take control of the female he stopped, but the female was able to get away," says Thompson.

And on Thursday morning, Thompson says the fake police officer tried pulling over a man on Fairview Avenue in Prattville, but the man never stopped, and the imposter sped off.

"You don't know what their motive is," he says. "Are they trying to act like a police officer and exert their authority, or are they doing it to cause physical harm to someone?"

Thompson says he's adding extra patrols in the city limits and pulling over every car that meets the description. But he's asking residents to call 911, if an unmarked car tries to pull you over.

"I'm scared for my daughter. You never know, he can rape you, murder you or take your car," says Prattville resident Tinia Lester.

Thompson says it is a possibility that the suspect is a former police officer or security guard. He also says the lights were more than likely purchased on the Internet and says the car has no tags.

If you have any information or have seen a white Ford Crown Victoria with lights on the dashboard, Prattville Police want you to call them at (334) 361-3671.
 

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