2006 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
JAMES P. LYNCH, ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION

April 26, 2006

Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch and Waterford Police Chief John Bekisz announced that authorities are looking for a suspect who impersonated a police officer this morning during a car stop of a female motorist in Waterford Township, N.J.

At approximately 8:45 a.m. today, the motorist was driving on Jackson Road on her way to work when she was pulled over by a man driving a late model, unmarked, white SUV, believed to be a Ford Explorer, with a red light bar on its roof. The suspect ordered the woman out of her car. When she questioned why, the suspect stated he had reason to believe her vehicle was stolen. The woman felt unsafe, so she drove away and reported the incident to police. The suspect returned to his vehicle but did not follow her.

The suspect is described as a white male in his early 30s, with a thin build, approximately 5-foot-11 with medium brown shoulder length hair parted in the middle. He had a closely shaven beard and wore black sunglasses. He wore a black police type uniform with a patch on the left arm that had gold lettering. He also had a gold, oval-shaped badge on his chest and a police belt with only a nightstick hanging from it. He appeared sloppily dressed.

Anyone with information is urged to call Waterford Detective Richard Passarella at (856) 767-2134, ext. 523.

MOTORIST SAFETY INFORMATION:

In most instances, officers conducting a traffic stop will be in a marked police cruiser. Officers carry official badges and identification.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE BEING PULLED OVER BY A POLICE IMPERSONATOR:

Activate your hazard lights to acknowledge the trailing vehicle.
Continue driving at a safe speed.
Proceed to a well-lit and/or highly trafficked area.
If you have a cell phone, dial 911