Police investigate report of man impersonating cop

Halifax Regional Police are investigating a report of a man impersonating a police officer in a Halifax parking lot on Sunday — two weeks after a gunman dressed as an RCMP officer killed 22 innocent people.

At about 1 p.m. on Sunday, a caller reported seeing a man, wearing a black hat with "RCMP-POLICE-GRC" written on it, sitting in a light grey sedan in a parking lot at 61 Chadwick Place, police said in a news release.

When asked what he was doing there, the man said he was with Halifax Regional Police and watching the trails in the area.

"Neither Halifax Regional Police nor RCMP had officers in the area at the time," police said.

The man was gone when officers arrived at the parking lot.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 50s, with a large build and a grey moustache. At the time, he was wearing a black nylon zip-up shirt with a black baseball cap with "RCMP-POLICE-GRC" written on it.

On Twitter, Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella said the suspect took "highly irresponsible actions, especially during a sensitive time."

"It's extremely important to be mindful of the impact such actions and words can have on many others," he said.

Police believe there are people who may have spotted the man and are asking anyone with information or video from the area to call police at 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Crime Stoppers.

"We remind citizens that they can request proper identification from our officers," police said.

"In addition to the officer presenting their ID card and badge, Halifax Regional Police want citizens to know they can also call (902) 490-5020 to confirm the identity of a police officer. In any emergency situation, please call 911."