The Tucson Police Department is actively investigating an incident involving a traffic stop conducted by a police impersonator.
On May 12, 2017, around 8:00 a.m., a female driving in a residential area near E. Broadway Blvd. and N. Wilmot Rd. was stopped by what she believed to be a law enforcement vehicle. An adult male approached her vehicle, wearing civilian clothes, and advised he was an off-duty police officer. The male did not provide any form of identification. He detained the driver in handcuffs and placed her in the back seat of his vehicle for a period of time before he released her.
Tucson Police Department detectives are continuing this investigation. They have found no indication that this male was affiliated with law enforcement. The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5’9” and 6’1”, with an athletic build. He had dark groomed hair, dark eyes, and tan skin. He was driving a clean bronze or gold 2003 to 2009 four-door sedan, with red and blue lights mounted on the dashboard. The suspect and the vehicle remain outstanding.
As detectives continue to investigate this incident, they are asking anyone that has been stopped under these circumstances or anyone who observes a traffic stop involving a vehicle matching this description to please call 911. If possible, note as much information about the vehicle (such as make, model or license plate) that can be done safely. The detectives would also like to remind citizens of the following safety tips:
- Officers do conduct traffic stops in unmarked vehicles. However, if you are stopped by an unmarked vehicle you can call 911 to verify the validity and slowly drive to a public, populated area, like a gas station or busy parking lot.
- Officers performing official duties will either be wearing a police uniform or some indicia clearly identifying themselves as police. You can request their name and badge number and to ask see their issued identification card.
- If you ever have any doubt as to the identity of any police officer, you may call 911 to verify the officer’s identity.