Lake County-Yesterday evening, a forty-six year old female, was stopped on I-65 south bound north of 109th Street exit, by a black unmarked Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
At approximately 5:50 p.m., a black SUV, possibly a newer Ford Explorer, pulled her over utilizing red/blue lights on the dashboard. A male white, around 50, with grayish hair, medium build, clean shaven, wearing a dark battle dress uniform (BDU) with no identifying patches, and a possible bullet proof vest under the shirt, approached her driver’s window and told her that her speed was unacceptable.
The male never identified himself. She handed him her driver’s license and he went back to his SUV where he sat for approximately 30 seconds and then drove off. The female was not able to get any plate information nor did she attempt to follow the SUV. She immediately called her husband and they called the Indiana State Police.
If anyone was in this area yesterday evening, February 7, 2016, and possibly witnessed this traffic stop, please contact Indiana State Police Trooper Danielle Elwood at 219-696-6242.
It is illegal in the State of Indiana for an unmarked police car with an officer out of their official uniform to make a traffic stop for a traffic infraction unless they are in full uniform. A law enforcement officer can make a traffic stop for traffic infractions in civilian clothes if they are operating a fully marked police car.
The following are safety tips to protect you against a police impersonator:
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Stop in a well-lighted and populated area
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Only roll your window down enough so you can communicate (one-two inches)
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Ask for the officer’s identification
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DO NOT get out of your vehicle to go back to his vehicle
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Call 911 and give your location and try to get plate information
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Wojas
