The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is asking for help finding a suspect who allegedly impersonated a peace officer, pulled over a female driver, got her into his vehicle and sexually assaulted her.
Police said it happened on Sunday, June 4 at around 1:30 a.m. when the 25-year-old woman was driving home near Anthony Henday Drive and 127 Street.
A vehicle with flashing lights got her to pull over, EPS said. Then, a man who was wearing a uniform got out of the vehicle, police said.
“He approached the vehicle in the same way we would approach the vehicle,” Acting Staff Sgt. Barry Fairhurst said. “He came up to the vehicle just directly behind her… He identified himself as a peace officer and asked her to exit the vehicle.”
Police said the man then asked her to get into the front passenger seat of his vehicle. The woman complied. EPS said she assumed he was a legitimate officer.
“The male suspect allegedly threatened the complainant, implying that he wouldn’t proceed with criminal charges if she performed sexual acts on him,” police said in a news release Wednesday.
“The complainant was then driven to another area [Borden Park], sexually assaulted and driven to her residence.”
Police believe the suspect vehicle is a four-door, white Nissan Rogue, made between the years 2007 and 2013.
Police describe the suspect as between 25 and 30 years old with a thin build and short brown hair. He was wearing what appeared to be a navy blue peace officer’s uniform without a utility belt. Officers said the victim and the suspect didn’t know each other.
“She was trying to be respectful to the authority, which is very concerning for us as police,” Fairhurst said. “Somebody is out there, presenting this power, presenting this authority to the public obviously to victimize females.
“I think she’s very brave. I think part of her reasoning for coming forward was to prevent other females from becoming victims out on the road. She obviously wanted to start creating some awareness.”
EPS released two photos of the suspect and the inside of the vehicle. The force also released a short video.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact police at 780-423-4567.
Fairhurst said a real officer will ask for your licence and registration and tell you why they are pulling you over.
Fairhurst said if someone claims to be an officer, you can request their badge, look at the crest and make sure it’s legitimate. He said if you feel you’re being misled, you can call 911 to verify the officer is who he says he is.
Police lights will flash red and blue. The woman in this case couldn’t recall the colour of the lights on this vehicle.
Police said this type of incident is rare but the RCMP is investigating another report of impersonating an officer. At this point, it’s not known if the two cases are connected.
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