Search on for man believed to be impersonating police

Following an incident in southwest St Johns County over the weekend, the Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged police impersonator and they are asking Historic City News readers for their help.

Shortly after midnight Saturday morning, a female driver reported that she was stopped by a law enforcement officer while travelling east on SR-207, near CR-305. But as the “officer” approached her vehicle, she became suspicious and sped away to safety.

“The vehicle reportedly displayed flashing blue, red and possibly green lights mounted behind the windshield,” Commander Charles E. Mulligan told local reporters.

When the man got out of the vehicle, the victim observed him and his vehicle more closely. She quickly reached the conclusion that this was not a legitimate traffic stop and the thinly built black male, dressed in dark clothing, and not wearing any type of badge, approaching her car, was not a legitimate law enforcement officer.

Deputies are searching for a dark red, early 2000’s model year Ford Taurus, with no window tint, the suspect vehicle in this crime. The vehicle has no apparent markings.

After the victim drove off, the man, believed to be a police impersonator, returned to his vehicle, made a u-turn, then drove westbound from the scene on SR-207.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Tipsters can text information by texting “tip231” plus their message to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.