Franklin police Chief David Goldstein has a nuanced message for local residents: you are lawfully required to comply with an officer’s request, but if you think that officer might be poser, definitely dial 911.
Goldstein is cautioning the Franklin community about a man suspected of impersonating a police officer over the weekend.
The man – described as white, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, 170 to 180 pounds, clean shaven and has shorter hair – reportedly pulled over a woman Saturday night using blue lights atop a dark pickup truck.
Goldstein said the incident took place about 10:30 p.m. along New Hampton Road.
“The individual asked for a license and registration and age,” he said. The suspect then let the woman go and her boyfriend later called Franklin police – none of their officers stopped the woman.
“We’ve got a detective working the case right now,” Goldstein said Monday. “She is trying to call different jurisdictions to see if they’ve had any similar circumstances.”
In the meantime, Goldstein is asking the public to be very careful.
“We make the suggestion to try and stop at a very lit place, somewhere that’s busy,” Goldstein said. “Keep your cell phone with you, keep it charged.”
If in doubt, anyone can call 911 to check that he or she has been pulled over by a real officer. Imposters often speak informally and do not follow law enforcement protocol, making them easier to spot, Goldstein said.
“You’ll know the difference, frankly,” Goldstein said. “We’re asking the public to be very aware of what’s happening around them.”
(Elodie Reed can be reached at 369-3306, ereed@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @elodie_reed.)