2 Calgary men charged with impersonating police officers

CALGARY – Two Calgary men have been charged with impersonating police officers related to incidents that happened in late October.

Police received reports of suspects in a vehicle pulling other cars over with a flashing strobe light on Oct. 24, claiming to be police and demanding money from the drivers. In the final incident of the night, the suspects chased a victim, pulled him from his car and robbed him.

Three people were taken into custody from a residence in Beddington Heights; one person was not connected and released without charges.

READ MORE: Calgary Police investigate men posing as police officers

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Matthew Owen Osberg, 20, and Tyler Lance Sanderson, 24, were each charged with two counts of falsely representing themselves to be a peace officer, one count of extortion and one count of robbery.

Osberg is set to appear in court on Nov. 20; Sanderson is set to appear on Dec. 7.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible in a third incident.

Anyone with additional information about these or similar incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Police said although the law requires citizens to pull over when a police car flashes its lights behind them, there are tips that drivers can follow to protect their safety. Calgarians should note almost all traffic stops are done in marked or unmarked vehicles driven by officers in full uniform. Unmarked cars have red and blue flashing lights built into the grill and interior, and plainclothes officers conducting traffic stops in unmarked cars are extremely rare. Drivers have the right to ask for photo identification and a badge at all times. Police should always identify themselves as such, and will never demand money.

If you’re not sure about a car that’s pulling you over, you should immediately call 911.