Woman Fends Off Possible Police Impersonator In Aurora
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – Police in Aurora are investigating a possible case of police impersonation after a woman was pulled over and assaulted.
"It's very frightening. It really is," said Aurora resident Michelle Wing.
According to police, on Monday at approximately 10 p.m. a woman said he was driving eastbound on East Alameda Avenue near Havana Street when a black sedan with a flashing red dome-style light pulled up behind her.
That was right in front of Wing's apartment complex on Jamaica Street.
"I hope he's caught. I hope he's off the streets. I hope this never happens again," said Wing.
"The victim, thinking she was being stopped by a police officer, pulled her vehicle into an apartment complex parking lot at East Alameda Avenue and Jamaica Street," said Aurora Police Sgt. Chris Amsler. "When the suspect approached her vehicle she noticed that the uniform shirt he was wearing did not have a badge or any type of patches identifying him as a law enforcement officer."
Amsler said the victim was told she was stopped for speeding. When she asked for a badge number the suspect grabbed her by the hair, reached in the vehicle and attempted to grab the keys out of the ignition.
"The victim fought back by punching the suspect in the face. The suspect released the victim and fled the scene," Amsler said.
The victim described the suspect as being a black man, approximately 5-foot-10 with a slim build and a 2-inch vertical scar on his left cheek. He had short black hair and was clean shaven. He also had a deep voice. He was wearing a dark-colored uniform shirt, dark-colored pants with a belt, and fingerless gloves.
The victim told police she didn't see a weapon.
"The suspect was driving a black colored sedan with dark tinted windows, possibly a Ford Crown Victoria. The victim did not see a front license plate on the vehicle," Amsler said.
Tracking down the suspect is a top priority.
"It is a concern to us that someone is out there pretending to be a police officer and who knows what his intentions are," said Amsler.
People who live nearby said they won't rest until the bogus cop is brought to justice.
"It's not safe. I'm going to stay indoors at night because I don't want to be attacked," said Aurora resident Josepha.
Additional Information From Aurora Police
Unmarked police vehicles are used by the Aurora Police Department and other law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Colorado. If you find yourself in a situation where you are being stopped by one and are not certain whether it is an actual police officer we recommend that you slow down, move to the right, turn on your turn signal, and pull into a heavily populated and well lit (if at night) parking lot. You can always call 911 to determine whether or not an actual law enforcement officer has stopped you. All Aurora Police Officers are required to carry their badge and identification card while on-duty.
Anyone who might have witnessed this incident or has information about this case is asked to contact Agent Brim with the District 1 Crimes Against Persons Unit at (303) 739-1843. You can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). You may text your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) then use the title DMCS and enter your message. You may remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000).
