Police seek more information about possible impostor

The Jackson Police Department is trying to locate any drivers who were stopped by a black-and-white car someone may be using to look like a patrol vehicle.

Chief James Humphreys said the department received a call Friday from a passer-by who reported the car had pulled over a driver.

The black-and-white car, the caller said, has a regular light bar on top of the roof and a spotlight.

The police department posted the information on its Facebook page in hopes of getting in contact with the person who may have been stopped by the vehicle.

"We're not looking for the car," Humphreys said, adding the department needs to talk to the person who was possibly pulled over to gather more information.

"It may or may not be anything," he said. "We're just making people be aware just in case."

Law enforcement agencies in Cape Girardeau County do not drive black-and-white patrol vehicles, the Jackson Police Department said, including the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, Cape Girardeau police, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety.

Anyone who has been pulled over by the vehicle in the city of Jackson is being asked to contact Detective Megan Keith or Sgt. Toby Freeman at 243-3151.

On its Facebook page, the police department listed what to do if a driver suspects the person pulling them over is impersonating an officer:

• Slow down, turn on your hazard lights and signal your intent to pull over, but only do so when you can find a well-lit, public place with other people around -- such as a gas station, police station or someplace you feel safe.
• If you do pull over immediately, you can keep your doors locked and only crack the window enough to pass your driver's license and registration through.
• Get a good look at the "officer" and his or her credentials. If the person is not in uniform, refuses to show a badge or just flashes it briefly, keep the window rolled up and the doors locked.
• All Jackson police officers carry a police ID card. If the officer won't let you see the ID card, ask for the person to call another officer to the scene.
• If you have a cellphone, immediately dial 911 and tell the operator that you have been pulled over by someone who claims to be a police officer, but that you think they might not be a real cop. Tell the operator where you are and stay on the line. Jackson police notify communications when and where they are making a traffic stop.

klamb@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

Jackson, MO