Reports of a suspicious person led Woodstock police to a man they believe was impersonating a police officer.
Police were called about a suspicious man in a white van in the area of George Street and Huron Street around 9:15 a.m. on Thursday. When officers arrived, the suspect vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. Police attempted to stop the vehicle without success until it came to a dead end street.
A search by officers turned up a prohibited weapon, a police inner Kevlar vest, and a jacket with a police service patch.
A 51-year-old Brantford man was arrested. He is charged with impersonating a peace officer, possession of a firearm, common nuisance endangering life, failure to comply with undertaking, flight from peace officer, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a prohibited device, and failure to comply with probation order.
The incident has prompted police to remind the public that if you are approached by a suspicious person who makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you should "trust your instincts" and call them.
