Philly Police Offer Tips To Avoid Being Victim Of Phony Cops
Posted:
Updated:
Philadelphia Police say in two separate incidents, drivers were pulled over by police impersonators.
PHILADELPHIA -
Philadelphia Police are warning drivers about crooks using police lights and in some cases fake badges to pull innocent drivers over.
Philadelphia Police arrested 22-year-old Julian Collins after officers say they saw him flash a fake badge and his lights to a driver at a Frankford Avenue 7-Eleven.
In a separate incident an hour earlier and just a few blocks away, two men who were posing as police officers pulled over a truck. Police say the pair had fake badges, guns and shirts that said "police."
The fake cops put the men in the truck in handcuffs and drove them several blocks before they escaped.
FOX 29 searched online and found dozens of websites selling what might look like a real police badge.
Police have several tips for you if you're ever pulled over by an unmarked car and are not sure if it's a police officer.
- Police recommend you put on your hazard lights and drive to a well lit area.
- Ask to see a Philadelphia Police ID. If they can't show you one, police say you can always call 911 to have a dispatcher check to make sure it's a real police officer.
Earlier Thursday, Philadelphia Police Lt. John Stanford told FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser that it doesn't hurt to call 911 to talk with a dispatcher.
"It hurts nothing for you to dial 911, talk to the dispatcher and give a description of the individuals that have stopped you. Give a location of course and ask for a marked police unit," he said.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Philadelphia Police say in two separate incidents, drivers were pulled over by police impersonators.
