Police Search For Man Who Posed As Officer
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Commerce City are searching for a man who posed as a police officer who was dressed in a police-type uniform and carried a handgun.
An adult female told police that she was walking to catch a bus when she was approached by a male driving a white SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer, in the 10600 block of Belle Creek Boulevard. It happened about 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The woman said she heard the vehicle's siren and saw a small rotating flashing red and blue light on the roof of the vehicle in addition to a badge and the words "Commerce City Sheriff" on the door. That department does not exist.
"That's what stood out to her," said Commerce City Police Cmdr. Matt Rippy.
The driver got out of the SUV and demanded to know why she was in the area and got her identification. When the victim told the male that she felt uncomfortable and started to make a phone call, he returned her ID and drove northbound on Belle Creek Boulevard.
The driver is described as a white male with a large build, 5-foot-10, 200 to 220 pounds, wearing a navy blue police-type uniform with a gold, oval-shaped badge, duty belt, handcuffs and handgun.
"I think by her actions she avoided a tragedy and we would be investigating another case at this point," said Rippy.
Police in Commerce City say the incident is not consistent with department policy or vehicle identification. They also tell CBS4 that residents can always ask officers for identification, move to an area with better lighting or call 911 to confirm a police presence or interaction that is occurring.
Additional Information from Commerce City:
The Commerce City Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in contacting this suspicious male. If anyone has any information about this case, please contact Detective James Zamora at 303-727-3958.
