Philly Police Offer Tips To Avoid Being Victim Of Phony Cops
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Philadelphia Police say in two separate incidents, drivers were pulled over by police impersonators.
PHILADELPHIA -
Philadelphia Police are warning drivers about crooks using police lights and in some cases fake badges to pull innocent drivers over.
Philadelphia Police arrested 22-year-old Julian Collins after officers say they saw him flash a fake badge and his lights to a driver at a Frankford Avenue 7-Eleven.
In a separate incident an hour earlier and just a few blocks away, two men who were posing as police officers pulled over a truck. Police say the pair had fake badges, guns and shirts that said "police."
The fake cops put the men in the truck in handcuffs and drove them several blocks before they escaped.
FOX 29 searched online and found dozens of websites selling what might look like a real police badge.
Police have several tips for you if you're ever pulled over by an unmarked car and are not sure if it's a police officer.
- Police recommend you put on your hazard lights and drive to a well lit area.
- Ask to see a Philadelphia Police ID. If they can't show you one, police say you can always call 911 to have a dispatcher check to make sure it's a real police officer.
Earlier Thursday, Philadelphia Police Lt. John Stanford told FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser that it doesn't hurt to call 911 to talk with a dispatcher.
"It hurts nothing for you to dial 911, talk to the dispatcher and give a description of the individuals that have stopped you. Give a location of course and ask for a marked police unit," he said.
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Philadelphia Police say in two separate incidents, drivers were pulled over by police impersonators.
