Vernon RCMP investigating report of fake police vehicle on Hwy 97

Vernon RCMP is investigating after a motorist witnessed what appears to be a fake police vehicle attempting to pull her over.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP told iNFOnews.ca that a motorist heading towards Vernon on Highway 97 from Kelowna at 2 a.m. near the Bailey Road turn-off passed a slow-moving truck which then activated red and blue flashing lights.

The driver posted to social media that she pulled over but realized it wasn't a police vehicle then continued driving.

Police say shortly after the truck turned left off Highway 97 toward Predator Ridge on Bailey Road.

The vehicle is believed to be a newer model, white, Dodge Ram pick-up truck with a canopy and red and blue "dome" lights on the roof of the driver's side.

In the spring of 2021 several incidents were reported in the Okanagan of drivers being pulled over by a man impersonating a police officer.

One man was arrested in Peachland for conducting a traffic stop on a weekend afternoon.

Some, however, were not justified, as the RCMP confirmed the traffic stops near Lumby were made by a real RCMP officer.

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is asking motorists to take the following precautions if they have reason to believe they are being stopped by a non-legitimate police vehicle:

Slow down, and drive in a safe manner to the nearest well-lit, populated area.

If this is not possible, do the following:

Lock all doors, pull over safely and leave your vehicle running;
If you have a cellular phone, take it out immediately, hold it in full view of the person who has pulled you over and call 911;
Calmly give the 911 operator your location and express your concern;
Ask the 911 operator/police dispatch if they have had any communication with a police officer about a traffic stop in your area;
Ask 911 to relay your concerns to that law enforcement officer;
Tell the officer, through a cracked window and locked door that you plan to cooperate, but you have heard about police impersonators;
Indicate that you are concerned for your safety and that you are verifying the police contact through dispatch;
If you remain uncertain that the person who pulled you over is in fact a police officer, ask him/her if you can proceed to a more populated area;
If he/she agrees, tell the 911 dispatcher where you are heading to and proceed.

The incident remains under investigation and Vernon RCMP encourages anyone that may have information to call Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171 and quote police file #2022-5785.

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