Police Impersonator Making Stops on I-35

UPDATE: The Clay County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that the police impersonator driving a gray Jeep with blue & red lights in the dash tried to stop someone on Plattsburg Road on Sunday. "Similar incidents with a vehicle with a similar description have occurred in Clinton & DeKalb counties. If this happens to you, do not stop and call 911."

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The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office announced that it has received calls about a person or persons impersonating a law enforcement officer and conducting traffic stops on I-35. 

Citizens have reported a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee and dark colored Ford Explorer as the vehicles involved. Deputies do not know if one person with two vehicles is involved or if two different suspects are making the traffic stops.

According to complaints that were received by the Sheriff’s Office, the incidences occurred in the area of I-35 and exit 40. In once incidence the Ford Explorer would speed up quickly on vehicles, then turn around and chase after other vehicles. In another report, the Grand Cherokee with a dash emergency light had pulled over a vehicle.

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office notes that a similar event happened in DeKalb County in February. In that instance a white male, about six feet tall in his 30’s wearing a grey or tan deputy uniform shirt actually made contact with drivers. In that case the vehicle was a newer model unmarked gray or silver GMC Denali with emergency lights on the inside dash.

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists that if they are involved in a traffic stop by an unmarked car, to slow down, turn on hazard lights and stop in a safe, well-lit and populated area. It is acceptable to call 9-1-1 and verify that the person stopping you is actually a law enforcement officer. The dispatcher will either confirm the person is an officer or provide you with further instructions.

If you have any information about these incidences, you can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 816-539-2156, Option 5 for Dispatch. 

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story