Coquitlam RCMP alert public after driver allegedly pulled over by fake cop

Coquitlam RCMP is warning the public after a man allegedly posing as a police officer pulled a driver over.

Around midnight on Wednesday, a man driving eastbound on Highway 1 between Brunette Avenue and United Boulevard exits in Coquitlam saw red and blue flashing lights attached to an older model black Dodge Caravan.

According to Mounties, the driver believed the car behind him was an unmarked police vehicle and pulled over to the side of the highway.

The man allegedly posing as an officer exited his vehicle and demanded that the driver hand over his driver’s licence, the second piece of ID, and his entire wallet.

“The suspect driver removed all of the cash inside the wallet before throwing it on the ground, deactivating his red and blue flashing lights, and driving away,” police said in a statement.

Public alert following an alleged traffic stop on Highway 1 in Coquitlam

Full details: https://t.co/rsMgoQXfS0 pic.twitter.com/BzaZEh5uqb

— Coquitlam RCMP (@cqrcmp) December 15, 2021

The suspect weighs about 250 lbs, muscular build, 6’4” tall. He allegedly spoke with a Russian/Ukrainian accent and wore a plain black baseball hat and a thick black winter jacket with no logos or markings. He also wore a black mask and pants.

“Investigators have learned that the motorist was travelling eastbound on Highway 1 when the suspect vehicle, an older model black Dodge Caravan, pulled in behind him then activated a set of red and blue lights. The suspect driver did not wear anything that resembled a police uniform, he did not have a badge, did not wear a duty belt, and did not carry a firearm or gun holster.” Corporal Paige Kuz, Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations Officer, said.

If you suspect you’re being pulled over by a non-legitimate police vehicle Mounites suggest you “slow down, drive safely to the nearest well-lit, populated area.”

When that’s not possible Mounties have a list of other recommendations:

• Lock all doors, pull over safely and leave your vehicle running;
• If you have a cellular phone, take it out immediately, hold it in full view of the person who has pulled you over and call 911;
• Calmly give the 911 operator your location and express you concern;
• Ask the 911 operator/police dispatch if they have had any communication with a police officer about a traffic stop in your area;
• Ask 911 to relay your concerns to that law enforcement officer;
• Tell the officer, through a cracked window and locked your door that you plan to cooperate, but you have heard about police impersonators;
• Indicate that you are concerned for your safety and that you are verifying the police contact through dispatch;
• If you remain uncertain that the person who pulled you over is in fact a police officer, ask him/her if you can proceed to a more populated area;
• If he/she agrees, tell the 911 dispatched where you are heading to and proceed.

If you were in the areas of Highway 1 between Brunette Ave and United Blvd exits on Dec. 14 to 15 from 11:45 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and witnessed the alleged traffic stop or for any dash camera video, contact the Coquitlam RCMP detachment at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2021-34469.