Law Enforcement Impersonator In the Grand Valley Area
Mesa County, Colo -- On
February 3, 2016, at 12:40 am, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office received a
report of an individual impersonating a law enforcement officer making a
traffic stop near I-70 Business Loop and 31 1/2 Road.
The reporting person
said a small black car, possibly a Dodge Dart with blacked out windows,
attempted to drive past their car, then pulled behind them and displayed
"police lights." The driver stopped and they along with their
passenger were contacted by a white male (possibly with a beard), in his early
20s, approximately 6 feet tall with a stocky build. The impersonator
asked to see documentation and after a short conversation, he returned to his
car and left.
This contact was made by
someone other than a law enforcement officer and this is the only report the
Mesa County Sheriff's Office has received at this point.
The community’s safety
is paramount and this type of event is a rarity. Agencies in the Grand
Valley do utilize unmarked vehicles. But, if you believe you are being
contacted by someone who is not a law enforcement officer, there are steps you
can take to protect yourself.
- Call 911 and let them
know who you are, where you are and ask if the person that is contacting you is
a true law enforcement officer, or
- If you are close to
law enforcement agency, drive there, or
- Stop in a well-lit
area with others around
