The Seward and York County sheriffs believe an early morning traffic incident may be the work of a police impersonator. At approximately 5 a.m. March 7, a Seward County resident was on her way to work near York when she reported that a dark colored vehicle with emergency lights signaled for her to stop along Interstate 80 about three miles east of York.
The female motorist reported to the York County sheriff that a male dressed in a dark green colored uniform with a dark ball cap approached her after activating overhead emergency lights on a dark colored SUV. She said the male said she was acting suspicious and wanted to know if she was working at a York interchange motel. The impersonator ordered the female from her car and after conducting a search allowed her to leave the scene. No citation or warning was issued nor was the motorist asked for her driver's license or vehicle documentation.
It was determined that no Seward or York County deputies, Nebraska State Patrol officials or Nebraska Game and Parks officials were working in the area of the incident at the time. Law enforcement also checked with Grand Island State Patrol and determined no "C Troop" personnel were in the area at the time either.
The Seward County Sheriff advises residents to be aware that if they are being followed by a vehicle and they are unsure if the vehicle is a law enforcement emergency vehicle to call 9-1-1 and let the dispatcher know their location and vehicle identification to check to determine if a sworn officer is attempting to contact them. Dispatchers can check where on-duty deputies or police officers are and can advise the nearest unit if there appears to be an impersonator attempting to stop them. If the motorist is unable to contact E911 dispatchers, motorist should drive at a normal speed to the nearest high visibility area where witnesses are present before stopping.
Seward County Sheriff Office personnel will be monitoring the area of the latest incident and will be monitoring traffic in the area for any suspicious vehicles or individuals that may be impersonating law enforcement.
If you have any information regarding this police impersonation case, contact the York County Sheriff's Office at (402) 362-4927, the Seward County Sheriff's Office at (402) 643-4578 or the Nebraska State Patrol at (402) 471-4545.
