On February 11th 2018 patrol officers responded to a report of a police impersonator. The victim reported that he was stopped in the 1300 block of E. Selma St. by two black males that were driving a black Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquise. The vehicle was described as having black wheels and a push bumper on the front. The vehicle was equipped with a loud speaker and “flashing all blue lights”. The black male was described as approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds with a muscular build and short haircut.
The victim reported that he was told over the loud speaker to pull over. He was approached by a black male wearing a uniform with patches and a gold badge attached to his shirt. The impersonator had a police style duty belt with a radio that may have been a scanner. The victim also stated that a second black male was in the passenger seat of the vehicle, but never exited. He was asked for his drivers license and was told to exit and stand at the rear of his vehicle. He was told he matched the description of a suspect he was looking for then released.
The Dothan Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this incident please contact them at 334-615-3000 or call Crimestoppers at 334-793-7000.
The Dothan Police Department would also like the community to know that if you come into contact with an officer and you are unsure about the encounter please call 911. If you are being stopped slowly pull to a well lit populated area. If continuing to a well lit area is going to take an extended period of time dial 911 and ask the dispatcher if it is in fact a police officer that is pulling you over.