Delaware troopers warn of police impersonator

Delaware State Police said a man pretending to be a police officer stopped a woman driving in Seaford on Labor Day. 

According to police, the suspect began tailgating the woman, who was driving on Coverdale Road in the area of Hastings Farm Road at 10:45 p.m.

Troopers said the man activated emergency police-style lights on the front of what was described as a large four-door sedan. When the victim pulled over, police said the suspect approached the woman wearing both a handgun and a radio on his hip and questioned the woman about her erratic driving.

When the victim became suspicious of the suspect’s mannerisms, she said she was calling 911. The suspect immediately returned to his vehicle and fled northbound on Coverdale Road.

An investigation is ongoing, but troopers offered these safety tips if you believe you are being pulled over by someone who may be impersonating a police officer:

Put on your flashers, drive the speed limit and call 911 from your cell phone. Tell the 911 dispatcher that you are concerned. If you do not have a cell phone, drive to an occupied, well-lit area, such as the parking lot of a busy store.
Do not stop your vehicle or get out of your vehicle until a dispatcher can confirm you are being pulled over by a legitimate police officer.
If the dispatcher cannot confirm that you are being pulled over by a police officer, stay on the line with the dispatcher. Drive carefully to a safe place, such as a local police department.
If you are issued documents that may be suspicious, contact the issuing agency about their legitimacy.
Report anything suspicious to police.