North Vancouver man charged with impersonating police officer
Charges have been laid against a North Vancouver man accused of impersonating a police officer, Mounties announced Thursday.
The North Vancouver RCMP says on March 1 officers were alerted to a man driving a Ford F-150 that pulled over a Tesla.
'During the interaction, the driver of the F-150 allegedly identified himself as a North Vancouver RCMP officer and it's alleged that his vehicle had lights that resembled emergency vehicle lights,' reads a news release from the detachment.
The alleged fake Mountie was arrested a few days later and released with a court date.
On June 24, the B.C. Prosecution Service charged Wayne Church, born in 1966, with impersonating a police officer and using equipment likely to cause the public to believe he was a police officer.
Church is next due in court July 23.
'Police are offering tips to anyone who may suspect they have been pulled over by a police impersonator,' said spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, in the release. 'Public safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure the community feels empowered to question suspicious behaviour. If something doesn't feel right during a traffic stop, trust your instincts and take steps to verify the officer's identity. Your caution could help prevent further incidents and assist in ongoing investigations.'
If you suspect you were pulled over by a fake cop, Mounties say to ask to see the officer's identification card and badge. If suspicious, police say to call 911 so a dispatcher can verify if an officer is conducting a traffic stop in the area.
'Trust your instincts: If something feels amiss, inform the individual that you're contacting the police to verify their identity,' the release reads. 'Genuine officers will understand and support your caution.'
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