OPP in Wellington County received a complaint about an individual impersonating a police officer.
The incident happened on April 14 after a motorist was stopped and asked for proof that they were an essential worker. The driver provided the man with information, who then left in his vehicle.
While police did not provide the exact location of the incident, the suspect is described as male, Caucasian, 30 - 40 years old, short dark hair in a brush cut, some scruff/unshaven facial hair. The male was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and a ballistic vest with the word "POLICE" in yellowish-orange letters across the front, but not the back.
The suspect vehicle is described as a black four-door sedan, possibly a Ford Fusion or Ford Taurus, with a blue strobe light on the dash and a small aerial antenna on the trunk.
"The OPP is not conducting random traffic stops to check motorists' work status during the COVID-19 pandemic, nor are drivers required to prove they are an essential worker to police," stated Acting Inspector Paul Richardson, Detachment Commander, OPP Wellington County.
Those stopped or approached by an officer in plain clothes driving an unmarked vehicle are within their rights to ask for the officer's identification or request a uniformed officer be present.
Those individuals should also call 911 if they have reason to believe the person is not a police officer.
Members of the public may refer to either opp.ca, publicsafety.gc.ca or covid-19.ontario.ca for up-to-date information regarding restrictions under federal or provincial orders.
