Area authorities are investigating after receiving a report of a man possibly attempting to impersonate a law-enforcement officer on Friday, April 12.
A news release from Fayette Police Chief Jeff Oswald posted on the Howard County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page says at 7:40 a.m. a citizen was involved in an incident during which an individual appeared to be posing as local law enforcement.
The citizen told authorities about being pulled over and contacted by an unidentified white male in a black or dark-colored SUV with a spotlight. The reporting party said the subject pulled up behind her and activated a siren; but he did not activate any emergency-vehicle lighting. He did not identify himself as law enforcement, nor did he ask the driver for a license nor other relevant paperwork. The reporting party said the man then got back into his vehicle and left the scene- driving south on Highway 5 at a high rate of speed.
The subject has been described as being about 35 to 40 years old; 5-foot-9, bald and heavy set. He reportedly was dressed in black cargo pants, black button-up shirt and had a badge with “POLICE” on it. He also reportedly was wearing a duty belt that held a long flashlight and a small pouch attached. But he did not appear to be carrying a firearm.
The release says the Fayette Police Department does not initiate traffic stops without activating emergency lights.
Anybody with information about this or any similar incident is urged to call the police department at (660) 248-2241.
Residents also are advised if they encounter this individual or are involved in any similar incident to immediately call 9-1-1.