FILE PHOTO

(SHELBY THEVENOT / iNFOnews.ca)

Midway RCMP are addressing misinformation circulating on social media about a suspected police impersonator who conducted a traffic stop on Highway 3 earlier this month.

A woman alleges a suspicious man, in what appeared to be a marked police vehicle, pulled her over while traveling 70 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Highway 3, May 11, as she approached the community of Greenwood, according to an RCMP media release issued today, May 17.

She said the suspect covered his badge, did not identify himself properly as an officer with the RCMP and did not take information from her but instead threatened to impound her vehicle, RCMP said.

Police said a traffic stop did occur along Highway 3 in Greenwood around Klondike Street at 6 p.m. on May 11.

The vehicle was travelling at 87 km/h in a 50 km/h towards a playground and elementary school, RCMP said.

The officer was in a fully marked police car and wearing a full duty RCMP uniform. He exercised discretion by giving the driver a warning, instead of issuing a violation ticket as per the Motor Vehicle Act.

"The RCMP would like to acknowledge the public’s right to question anyone who they suspect to be impersonating a member of law enforcement. We treat these allegations very seriously, and as such, should be investigated with the goal of determining the facts and not left unchecked or made on social media," the release reads.

"Anyone who encounters a similar situation is encouraged to report to your local police department so an investigation may be conducted. Should you be concerned at the time of a traffic stop, stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked, roll down the window a small amount and tell the officer you are calling the police department to ensure that they are, in fact, a police officer."

RCMP said if a member of the public is concerned when pulled over by a police officer, they should say inside their vehicle with the doors locked and roll down the window slightly to speak with the officer to confirm their identity.

RCMP also recommends calling the local non-emergency phone number to "confirm the officer’s presence at the traffic stop."

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