The RCMP spoke up today in an effort to quash some misinformation floating around social media about a woman being targeted by a police impersonator in the BC Interior.
According to police, the rumours circulating about the traffic stop conducted on Hwy 3 on May 11 are untrue and it was in fact an RCMP officer that pulled the woman over.
“A woman is alleging that a suspicious man in what appeared to be a marked police vehicle pulled her over while traveling 70 hm/h in a 60 km/h zone, as she approached the community of Greenwood,” a release explained.
“She further alleges that he covered his badge, did not identify himself properly as an officer with the RCMP, did not take information from her but threatened to impound her vehicle.”
However, the RCMP confirmed today that a legitimate traffic stop did happen along Hwy 3, near Klondike Road, in Greenwood around 6 pm on May 11.
According to police, the vehicle was travelling 87 km/h in a 50 km/h zone towards a playground and elementary school.
The release also noted that the officer was in a fully-marked police car, a full-duty RCMP uniform and exercised discretion by giving the driver a warning instead of a violation ticket.
“The RCMP would like to acknowledge the public’s right to question anyone who they suspect to be impersonating a member of law enforcement,” added the release.
“We treat these allegations very seriously, and as such, should be investigated with the goal of determining the facts and not left unchecked or made on social media.”
Anyone who encounters a similar situation is encouraged to report it to their local police department so an investigation can be conducted.
The RCMP advises anyone concerned during a traffic stop to stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked and roll down the window a small amount to tell the officer you are calling the police station to confirm their identity.
By calling the non-emergency for police in any jurisdiction, they can confirm the officer’s presence at a traffic stop.
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