GREELEY, Colo. — At least two people who thought they were being pulled over by a police officer in the Greeley area were actually victims of an impersonator, according to a release from the Greeley Police Department (GPD).
The first incident happened around 7 am. on March 24. At that time, GPD received a call from someone who thought they were stopped by a Greeley officer. The driver explained they were stopped by a silver or white SUV with no markings near 21st Avenue and 13th Street.
The witness described the person they interacted with a white man about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. He was wearing a dark-colored uniform with no markings or patches and a black stocking cap, according to GPD.
On March 27 around 4:50 a.m., GPD received reports of another police impersonator who was conducting traffic stops and asking drivers to pull into an area that was blocked off by yellow traffic cones, near Promontory Parkway and 10th street.
The impersonator was described as a white man about 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds. He had no facial hair and no visible tattoos and was reported to be wearing a dark uniform with a traffic vest, a baseball cap with no emblem, dark-rimmed glasses and he had a baton and pepper spray.
The man demanded to see a driver’s license, insurance and registration, according to GPD.
He also demanded an explanation as to why the victim was violating the COVID-19 law, GPD said.
GPD said it confirmed there were no Greeley officers, Weld County's sheriff's deputies or Colorado State Troopers (CSP) conducting these traffic stops.
The reports have all described unmarked type vehicles with dashboard-mounted red and blue lights; black uniforms with no markings or badge and duty belts with little equipment.
Similar police impersonation incidents were reported in both Erie and Aurora.
Here's what to do if you believe you've been contacted by a police impersonator:
- Acknowledge the traffic stop by waving out the window & activating your hazards.
- Safely drive to a public location, well-lit area or a police station if close by.
- Safely dial 911 & tell the dispatcher that you are being pulled over & provide your location.
If anyone has information about these incidents, please contact GPD at 970-350-9600 and speak to an officer or sergeant. If you witness this type of activity, dial 911.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Local stories from 9NEWS
