An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser.  (Photo courtesy of the OPP)An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. (Photo courtesy of the OPP)
Chatham

OPP searching for alleged thieves pretending to be cops

Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a reported robbery involving suspects who impersonated police officers.

According to police, officers were called to the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 outside of Chatham-Kent at about 9 p.m. on Christmas day.

Police were told that two vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield, pulled the victim over and two individuals got out, while a third suspect remained in one of the vehicles.

The victim was told to get out of their vehicle and suffered minor injuries during an altercation with the suspects. They were later taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The three individuals then reportedly drove off in their two vehicles and the victim's vehicle.

The first suspect is described as a 6' tall black man in his 30s. He was wearing all-black clothing, including a black mask and a black ballistic-style vest. He also reportedly had a handgun in a holster.

The second suspect is described as a 5'8" brown man in his 20s. He was also wearing all-black clothing including a black mask and a black ballistic-styled vest.

There is no description of the third suspect.

The suspect vehicles were described as a black sedan with red and blue flashing lights on the windshield and a black SUV. Police said that neither of the vehicles had police markings.

The OPP believe this was an isolated incident and that there's no threat to public safety.

At the same time, police are reminding the public that anyone may ask a police officer to provide the name of their service, detachment, badge number, rank officer's badge, and warrant card. The officer should be able to provide this information without delay.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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