Authorities warn of police impersonation after incident in Upper Oxford Twp., Chester County

UPPER OXFORD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Authorities in Chester County are warning the public about a police impersonator after a driver was stopped.

It occurred on Friday, September 13, around 6:30 a.m. on US Route 1 in the area of ​​Route 896 in Upper Oxford Township.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the victim reported being followed by a black Cadillac Escalade for several miles.

The driver of the Escalade then activated a red and blue “bubble light” and a siren, the victim told police.

The suspect was described as a heavyset man, approximately 6'2″ tall, 40-50 years old, with black hair and tan skin. He was also reportedly wearing a police uniform with a badge.

Residents in the area told Action News they are on high alert due to this incident.

“You get pulled over by a black SUV with tinted windows? You think it's a cop,” noted Lynn Perkins of Landenberg.

Many also said it was a disturbing crime.

“It's very disturbing what's happening here, especially in this neighborhood,” said Pam Long of West Grove. “You just don't know what to do, because what if you don't stop and it's a police officer?”

Rich Vona, Bucks County's director of law enforcement and safety, advised people not to immediately stop if they fear being stopped by a scammer.

“Drive slowly to a busy place – 7-Eleven, Wawa. Anywhere where there are a lot of people. That's where you want to be,” he explained.

You can also ask the officer for a photo ID. Vona added that another tip is to call 911 and ask the operator to confirm the officer's identity.

“They can narrow it down and tell you and call the officer and tell you that it is actually an officer on duty trying to stop you,” he explained.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Troop J, Avondale Station, Criminal Investigation Division, at 610-268-2022.