Police: Suspects In Thefts Impersonated Police Officers

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Columbus police are investigating two incidents where suspects have impersonated police officers.

According to police, the first incident involved a business on the city’s east side. An employee said she received a phone call from a man who identified himself as a police officer.

The suspect allegedly said he would be in the neighborhood to collect money in an effort to patrol the area due to recent burglaries involving area business.

The suspect appeared at the business and asked for a large amount of money, but when the employee informed him she did not have that much, he negotiated a price, left a receipt and Fraternal Order of Police sticker.

The suspect left the scene in a light gray or olive green sport utility vehicle, which was driven by another unidentified man.

About one month later, another incident involved an elderly man who was watering his lawn.  He was approached by a male and female suspect, police said.

The suspects held up badges as they approached the victim, showed him a picture of a man in a wanted poster, and coerced the victim into allowing them in his house. 

The victim became suspicious after a few minutes and stated he was calling 911.  The suspects left the home, but not before taking cash and jewelry.

In both incidents the suspects were well dressed.  The male suspect was described as a black male, 30 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 160 to 170 pounds. He was clean cut with a mustache and was wearing a gray suit and cream-colored tie.

The female suspect was described as a black female, 35 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds.

The second male suspect was described as black male, 50 years old, weighing 210 pounds with gray or partially gray hair described as being processed with waves.

Citizens are reminded that officers will never ask for money to further any investigation.  Citizens are reminded that officers are required to carry their police identification and badge.

The following rules apply to Division personnel:

1)  Division personnel shall give their name and badge/tech/IBM number to
    any person upon request.

2)  Uniformed sworn personnel shall display their identification card to any
    person upon request or as soon as is safe and practical.

3)  Sworn personnel in plainclothes, when exercising their authority under the
    law and identifying themselves as a police officer, shall display the badge
    and police identification concurrently or as soon as is safe and practical.

If there is doubt to the identity of any individual claiming to be a police officer, citizens are encouraged to dial 911 and ask for assistance.

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