Police investigate after man pulls driver over and tries to collect fine

Officials remind the public that drivers can ask to see identification of officers

Police say they are investigating an incident in which a vehicle was stopped by a man impersonating a police officer.

The incident took place Tuesday at about 3 p.m. when police say a man was driving south on 69 Street S.W. toward Glenmore Trail and was stopped by a white Honda Civic that had red and blue lights attached to the front window.

“The driver of the Civic got out of his vehicle and walked up to the man’s vehicle, identifying himself as a special forces police officer,” Calgary police said in a news release.

“It is alleged the man advised the driver that he was speeding and that he could either go to jail or pay a fine, and that if he paid the fine immediately he would receive a discount.”

The man went to his vehicle and returned with a yellow piece of paper. Police say the driver refused to pay the fine, asked the man for his badge number or identification and said he would contact police.

At that point, the man went back to his vehicle and left the scene.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 30s, about 6’ feet tall and bald, with a muscular build and tattoos.

He was wearing a white T-shirt with the words “Canadian Special Forces” in red lettering. Police say he was also wearing jeans with a knife and baton on his belt.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Police said it’s “extremely rare” for a Calgary police officer not wearing a uniform to conduct a traffic stop in an unmarked vehicle.

They added non-uniformed police officers are required to carry identification at all times and that drivers have the right to ask for that identification.

If a driver is not sure about a vehicle pulling them over, they are advised to call 911 immediately.

The driver of the Civic got out of his vehicle and walked up to the man’s vehicle, identifying himself as a special forces police officer.