RCMP refute report of man impersonating officer

May 17, 2022 | 4:45 PM

RCMP is clearing up what they call misinformation after details of a suspected police impersonator appeared on social media.

A woman posted online that a suspicious man, in what appeared to be a marked police vehicle, pulled her over on HIghway 3 near Greenwood on May 11, 2022.

The woman posted she was traveling 70 kilometres per hour in a 60 kilometre zone. She stated the man covered his badge, did not identify himself properly as an officer with the RCMP, did not take information from her, but threatened to impound her vehicle.

That led to the RCMP in Midway investigating the incident and issuing a statement.

“The RCMP can confirm that a traffic stop did occur along Highway 3 in Greenwood around Klondike Street on May 11, 2022 at 6 p.m. traveling [sic] at 87 kilometres per hour in a 50 kilometre per hour zone towards a playground and elementary school. The officer was in a fully marked police car, in a full duty RCMP uniform. He exercised discretion by giving the driver a warning, instead of issuing a violation ticket as per the Motor Vehicle Act,” said the statement from BC RCMP Communication Services.

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The statement goes on to say the public has a right to question anyone who they suspect to be impersonating a member of law enforcement.

“We treat these allegations very seriously, and as such, should be investigated with the goal of determining the facts and not left unchecked or made on social media,” the news release stated.

Mounties say anyone who encounters a similar situation is encouraged to report it to police so an investigation can be conducted.

“Should you be concerned at the time of a traffic stop, stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked, roll down the window a small amount and tell the officer you are calling the police department to ensure that they are, in fact, a police officer. Call the non-emergency number for police in that jurisdiction, who can confirm the officer’s presence at the traffic stop,” the BC RCMP said.

by Pete McIntyre

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