Police are searching for a man they say is posing as one of their own, pulling women over and sexually assaulting them.
Two cases happened a few hours away in Georgia over the weekend, and officers believe one man may be responsible for both.
“It’s always frightening when you hear a report of someone out impersonating a police officer,” Union County Sheriff Spokesperson Tony Underwood said.
We’ve seen cases of people impersonating the police everywhere from Gastonia to Matthews to Union County.
Police said these criminals usually target people driving alone, looking to rob or sexually assault them.
If you worry you’re getting stopped by a poser, slow down and call 9-1-1, turn on your hazard and interior lights and drive to a safe, well-lit location. Legitimate police officers are not always driving a marked car but should be in uniform when conducting traffic stops.
“Most police officers, officers in uniform especially have a name tag. You’ll see a badge. And if you still don’t know, ask them for their identification. Police officers are going to carry some type of official police credentials,” Underwood explained.
Lowering the window halfway provides a protective barrier between you and that person. Local police said this isn’t a crime they see often, but it does happen.