Police investigating impersonation of police

Police are investigating after an 18-year-old female driver was ‘pulled over’ by a vehicle she believed was an unmarked police car at Eatons Hill this morning (30 May 2014).

Around 12.40am the woman stopped her vehicle on South Pine Road, in the vicinity of the Eatons Hill Tavern, after the vehicle travelling behind her activated red and blue flashing lights. 

The male driver of the vehicle approached the woman’s car and claimed he was a police officer. After a brief conversation the woman became suspicious and drove off.

The man returned to his car and followed the woman’s vehicle until she drove into the Carseldine Police Station. He then continued south along Gympie Road.

The man is described as Pacific Islander in appearance, aged in his late 30’s with an olive complexion, short black hair, and was wearing long tanned coloured pants, long sleeve  orange high visibility shirt and work boots.

His car is described as sky blue Ford Falcon utility with a green P plate attached.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicles ‘pulled over’ on South Pine Road this morning to contact them.

The woman was not physically injured and police investigations are continuing.

Any motorist who believes the unmarked vehicle attempting to intercept them is not a police vehicle is urged to contact local police or if they fear for their safety to call Triple Zero (000), to verify the identity of the vehicle or the person.

Should a motorist find themselves in this situation they can:

Stop at a place they feel safe, such as a well lit area or an area with other people;

·         Keep their doors locked and windows closed;

·         Request to see the person’s police identification; and

·         Advise the person they are calling police to verify their identity.

 All on duty police officers, whether in plain clothes or uniform, are required to carry official QPS identification, comprising a metal QPS badge and an identification card, complete with the officer’s name, registered number and photograph. A member of the public may ask to view an officer’s QPS identification to verify the officer’s credentials and can contact local police to verify an officer’s details.

The penalty for impersonating a public official carries a maximum term of three years imprisonment.

(Source: MyPolice QPS News)

 

 

UPDATE: 30 May 14 - 5 pm - Police have now charged a 48 year old Eatons Hil man with impersonating police.

He has been charged with one count each of assuming the description of a police officer, stalking, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils.