On January 29th, 2016, the Niagara Regional Police Service received another report of a man posing as a police officer. This information indicated that on Friday January 22nd, 2016 at approximately 9:30 PM, an adult woman was driving her vehicle along Michener Road, Port Colborne when she observed a black 2 door Honda automobile travelling behind her. As she approached Farr Road, she noticed a circular red flashing light on the vehicle’s front dashboard. Believing that it was a police vehicle, she pulled over to the side of the road.
Once her vehicle had stopped, she was approached by a male who told her that she had been speeding and requested that she exit her vehicle. The woman noticed that the male was not wearing a police uniform and asked to see his police badge, however, he was unable to produce appropriate identification. Believing the situation to be suspicious, the woman drove away, however, the male did not follow.
The suspect male is described as:
-white
-Late 20’s to early 30’s in age
-Unshaven
-Messy, short and spiky light brown hair
-5′ 8″ tall
-Approximately 180 lbs
-Black “spacer” earrings in his ears
-Wearing a blue and grey plaid lumberjack style jacket
A second male wearing a toque may have been present in the passenger seat of the suspect’s vehicle during this encounter.
Members from the Welland Criminal Investigations Branch of the Niagara Regional Police Service are continuing the investigation into this incident while members of the St. Catharines Criminal Investigations Branch of the NRPS continue to investigate a similar incident which occurred in St. Catharines on January 26. During the St. Catharines incident, a woman was reportedly approached by a male pretending to be a Niagara Regional Police officer. It is unknown at this time if these incidents are related.
Anyone with any information relating to either of these incidents is requested to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service St. Catharines Criminal Investigations Branch at 905-688-4111 Extension 4380, the Welland Division of the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111 Extension 3300, or Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
Safety Tips
– Make sure it is a marked police unit. If it is not a marked unit, the emergency lights should be built in and are usually not a temporary light placed on the vehicle.
– Try to stop in a well-lit area or a location where there are a lot of people present.
– Turn on your emergency flashers but don’t turn off your car.
– Do not get out of the vehicle to meet the officer. Officers usually prefer people to stay in their vehicle for their own safety.
– Lock your door.
– Look for a uniform, official department jacket, and other equipment used by police officers for the performance of their duties.
– Pay attention to what they are asking. Most officers will advise you of the reason for the stop and request your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
– If they immediately tell you to get out of the car without any preliminary questions, be suspicious.
– Trust your instincts. If they don’t seem to be a real police officer they are probably not.
– If the officer is in plainclothes, look for identifying clothing and equipment. If unsure, explain to the officer that you are unsure about the situation and ask them to display official department identification and badge. Ask where they work and if you can contact their dispatch center to confirm their identity. You may also request that a marked patrol unit respond.
Should you have concerns that the person you are encountering is not as a police officer, call 9-1-1.
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