Vernon RCMP report another case of someone impersonating a police officer, this time near Lumby

Photo: File photo

RCMP are reporting another case of someone impersonating a police officer in the B.C. Interior.

Early this week, police reported an incident where a person allegedly impersonating police conducted a traffic stop on Highway 33 between Rock Creek and Kelowna.

North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Tania Finn says since that time, another motorist has come forward reporting a similar experience near Lumby, after being pulled over by a similar vehicle.

On Saturday, about 9 p.m., a motorist was travelling on Highway 6 between Vernon and Lumby when a white-coloured vehicle, described as an SUV or pickup, pulled in behind them and activated red and blue lights.

The motorist pulled over to the side of the road and a man approached the driver’s window with a flashlight. After a brief conversation, the male suspect returned to the white vehicle and turned off the flashing lights.

When the motorist pulled back onto the highway, the white vehicle followed.

“As the motorist drove away, the suspicious white vehicle was in the process of stopping another vehicle on Higthway 6 near Dure Meadow Road in Lumby,” said Finn. “Police are interested in speaking with that motorist or anyone else in our area who had a similar experience.”

The suspect is described as average height and weight, with dirty blonde hair, and was wearing a white button down shirt and black or dark blue khaki-style pants.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Const. Ashley Gravelle at the Lumby RCMP non-emergency line, 250-547-2151, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

Earlier this week, RCMP in Prince George arrested a man for allegedly impersonating an officer.

RCMP offer the following tips to motorists who believe they are being stopped an non-legitimate police vehicle:

• Slow down, drive in a safe manner to the nearest well-lit, populated area.

If this is not possible, do the following:

• Lock all doors, pull over safely and leave your vehicle running;
• If you have a cellular phone, take it out immediately, hold it in full view of the person who has pulled you over and call 911;
• Calmly give the 911 operator your location and express your concern;
• Ask the 911 operator/police dispatcher if they have had any communication with a police officer about a traffic stop in your area and ask them to relay your concerns to that law enforcement officer;
• Tell the officer, through a cracked window and locked door, that you plan to cooperate, but you have heard about police impersonators. Indicate that you are concerned for your safety, and that you are verifying the police contact through dispatch;
• If you remain uncertain that the person who pulled you over is in fact a police officer, ask him/her if you can proceed to a more populated area. If he/she agrees, tell the 911 dispatcher where you are heading to and proceed.