Officials search for information on alleged police impersonator in Bucks County

FALLS TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Officials are searching for information on an alleged police impersonator in Bucks County.

Falls Township police said that just after midnight on Saturday, a 31-year-old woman was pulled over after leaving a Wawa on West Trenton Avenue near the intersection at Pine Grove Road.

The alleged impersonator was driving a black or blue SUV with interior blue and red lights on the dashboard, officials say.

"The traffic stop seemed suspicious to her because the lights were very bright and they were in the interior of the car, and the stop was, according to her, a matter of seconds," said Detective Christoper Iacono with Falls Township police.

Police described the impersonator as being a 5'9" man with a thin build and in his 30s.

The woman told police the man had a gold badge, carried a flashlight, was clean-shaven, and wore dark pants with a plain dark uniform.

It is unclear why the alleged impersonator pulled the woman over at this time.

Residents in the area told Action News that they are on edge hearing about a man who allegedly pretends to be a police officer.

"I mean that's very dangerous, clearly very scary," said Stephanie James from Falls Township.

Other residents are more concerned for their children than anything else.

"It's very scary. I have kids in high school, I have a 17 and 18-year-old who drive and who are out and about, and who are constantly coming to this Wawa," said Kathleen Kolanko from Morrisville.

Kolanko also said she will try to use this incident as a teaching moment.

"I don't want to scare them, but I know it's a conversation we need to have, to teach them what to do if they are pulled over. Because we're always told if the lights come on, you need to pull over," she added.

Police say that if you are concerned about the legitimacy of a traffic stop, pull over to a well-lit area and call 911 to verify.

"I would say use common sense measures. Just slowing down, maybe putting your flashers on to let the officer behind you know that you are pulling over, but wait until you get to a well-lit area before you come to a complete stop," said Iacono.

Officers are searching for surveillance video of the incident, but have unfortunately not been able to recover any since there's no record of the stop.

Anyone with information on the alleged impersonator is asked to contact Iacono at 267-979-0481 or via email at c.iacono@fallstwppd.com.

If you want to remain anonymous you can contact tiplines@fallstwppd.com.