Fake Cop Attempts Real Traffic Stop: Washington Township Police

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A fake police officer tried to initiate a real traffic stop in Long Valley Friday and the real Washington Township Police are asking that residents be vigilant.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. a resident reported they were pulled over on Pleasant Grove Road by an older-model, red sedan with interior flashing red and blue lights.

After the resident had stopped their vehicle, the other driver then shut off their lights, which prompted the resident to leave the scene. The driver in the sedan then pursued the victim and started to tailgate their car, before abruptly taking off on Wehri Road, police said.

The department is in the process of reviewing video footage and confirmed with all officers that none of them had made a stop at that time, nor in that type of vehicle.

Anyone with any information or video footage of a car matching the description of the sedan should reach out to the Washington Township Police Department immediately at 908-876-3232.

Authorities noted that all officers drive in well-lit, black Chevrolet Tahoes and occasionally Chevrolet Caprices, which are outfitted with video equipment that runs continuously; and officers will never turn off their vehicle lights when making a stop.

Police cautioned drivers if they are ever stopped by a vehicle in Long Valley not matching the description of their department vehicles or for drivers concerned that they are being pulled over by anyone other than a police officer, to dial 911 right away. Drivers then should also turn on their vehicle flashers before pulling over to a public and safe location, police said.

Questions about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.