The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Medford Police Department have been made aware of an individual impersonating an officer, both within the City of Medford and again in Taylor County. Both incidents involved a dark colored vehicle with red and blue grill lights stopping another motorist. In both incidents, the individual approached the stopped vehicle and verbally identified himself as an officer.
He is described as a while male in his 30s, about six feet tall, with dark hair and some facial hair. He was wearing plain clothes and identified himself as a detective in the first incident. In the second incident, he was wearing uniform style clothing with no badge or markings. Both incidents appear to be random and authorities have nothing to indicate this individual is targeting specific ages or genders. In both cases, the suspect told the driver why he stopped them and then left after minor conversation.
In both cases, this was a dark colored, unmarked car with simple grill lighting. It should be noted that both the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Medford Police Department have unmarked squad cars. These unmarked squad cars are equipped with more emergency lighting than two simple grill lights.
“At this time, we are simply informing our citizenry so they are aware and we are asking them to report any information they may have related to an individual impersonating an officer,” noted Taylor County Chief Deputy Larry Woebbeking.
You may contact both the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Medford Police Department by calling 715-748-2200 or 1-800-343-2201.
If you are stopped by a suspicious vehicle, you should try to stop in a well-lit area. In rural settings, well-lit areas may be difficult to find so you can stop in front of another house or even pull into a driveway, Woebbeking advises. If the officer is in plain clothes, ask for his identification and department number so you may call to verify his identification. These are simple requests that any officer should be willing to provide, Woebbeking adds.
“This is not a justification to avoid stopping for law enforcement,” he said. “Failure to stop for an officer is a crime. If you are suspicious during a traffic stop, dial 911 or the numbers listed above. A dispatcher will assist you in determining the validity of the traffic stop. Fully marked squad cars have not been an issue in these two cases.”