Police Impersonator Stopped, Searched Student Monday

A man whose car had red and blue flashing lights pulled over a student driving to Maine East High School Monday and searched her car before releasing her, police said. 

Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 released the following statement:

Des Plaines Police are investigating an incident involving a Maine East student who was stopped as she drove to school Monday morning (May 20) by an individual who appears to have been impersonating a police officer. The student was stopped by an individual driving a white Ford Crown Victoria, a make and model often driven by police.  The car had no markings but did display flashing red and blue lights from its interior.  The impersonator is described as a male/white, approximately 6 feet tall, light brown hair, muscular build.  He was wearing a light brown uniform with no clear police markings on it.  This individual detained the student and searched her car before releasing her unharmed.   This incident occurred in Des Plaines on E. River Road near Ballard.

Des Plaines Police are investigating. Police remind motorists that if they have any question about the authenticity of an individual presenting himself or herself as a law enforcement officer, they do not have to stop immediately and should drive to a public area where more people will witness the stop.  In this situation, police say, a motorist should also feel free to call their local police department or 911.

Please contact Park Ridge Police at 847-318-5252 if you have questions.