Driver says they were stopped by fake officer near McDowell County

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a person impersonating a law enforcement officer.

This comes after receiving a report where a woman said she was stopped by a person driving an unmarked dark-colored SUV on Tuesday. It happened along Highway 221 near the McDowell/Avery County line in the mountains.

“It’s a little bit scary,” said Dyna Staton, who works at the Linville Falls General Store. “I hope they find the person. There’s not any cell service so that’s the first thing that freaks people out not having any cell service at all.”

Deputies say the suspect’s vehicle reportedly flashed a blue light on the dash, which was activated during the traffic stop. The suspect was reportedly armed with a gun, had a Taser, handcuffs, and unlawfully searched both the driver and the vehicle.

The victim reported that the suspect was not displaying a badge, and the vehicle did not have proper law enforcement markings or tags.

Polly Robson, who travels Highway 221 and works nearby, said it’s remote and would never pull over there.

“What I have done before in the dark if somebody came up behind me with their lights on, I always pull off where there is light. I do not pull off on a secluded road,” Robson said.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public about safety measures if pulled over by an unmarked vehicle and concerns arise about legitimacy. Motorists should turn on their hazard lights, slow down and proceed to a safe, well-lit and populated area. Drivers should not attempt to flee.

Staton will follow the advice.

“Somebody coming around and acting all official, I mean, most people would stop. I would not stop unless I was in a public area,” Staton said.

Officials advise the public to call 911 if there is doubt about a vehicle attempting to stop them. They should provide their location and a description of the vehicle and ask telecommunicators to confirm whether a legitimate law enforcement officer is attempting the stop.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives at 828-652-2235, ext. 1222.

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