Mounties in B.C.’s southern Interior say they are investigating a man in his 40s for allegedly impersonating a police officer.
The investigation began with a traffic stop around 11 p.m. on Jan. 29, Kamloops RCMP said in a news release Thursday.
The detachment did not say where in the city the stop took place, but said it was the Crime Reduction Unit that conducted the stop.
Officers soon learned that the man behind the wheel was prohibited from driving, according to police. They also found body armour with “police” and “RCMP” lettering on it inside the vehicle.
The vehicle itself—a white GMC truck—was equipped with red and blue lights and a siren, Mounties said.
“Impersonating police is a criminal offence, whether it be by false representation, badge, article, uniform or equipment,” said Sgt. Jason Pole, in the release.
He added that impersonation of police “can pose a significant risk to both public and police safety.”
Police seized weapons, body armour and the vehicle, according to the release. They did not specify what weapons were seized.
The driver, a man in his 40s who police did not name, has been released. Investigators expect to recommend charges to Crown prosecutors for consideration, police said.
“The Kamloops RCMP would like to remind the public that police will produce proper police identification if you are unsure about the legitimacy of their interactions,” the release reads.
Anyone who encountered a man in a white GMC truck wearing “partial police attire” should contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and cite file number 2026-3010, police said.
Tips can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
