Police impersonators are on the rise in Kansas. One report made in greater KC metro.
Kansas agencies have recently seen an increase in reports of law enforcement impersonators stopping travelers across the state.
In the last few weeks, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation has identified about 10 reports of suspected police impersonations in several counties. At least one was reported in a county in the greater Kansas City metro, KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood said.
In many of the reports, the impersonator will use emergency lights but is not in a vehicle with official police markings, Underwood said. The pretend officer often asks the driver if their travel is “essential” or will request to see workplace documentation.
Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide “stay home” order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, the KBI noted, does not require residents to carry paperwork proving they are allowed to leave their house.
As of Friday, none of the travelers reported injuries or stolen property during the fake traffic stops.
One man accused of impersonating an officer was arrested Thursday in Wichita. Police said Daniel Corrieri, 27, drove a white Hyundai Elantra with multi-colored lights like an emergency vehicle, The Wichita Eagle reported. He wore a bullet-proof vest and was armed with a handgun, according to police.
The KBI advised drivers who suspect they are being target by an impersonator to slow down, activate their hazard lights and call 911 to confirm the car following them is with a law enforcement agency.
The state bureau also asked anyone who believes they have been stopped by an impersonator to call local police and report it to the KBI by calling 1-800-KS-CRIME or filling out information online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.
Law enforcement agencies in other states, such as Colorado, have also reported an increase in police impersonators pulling over drivers amid COVID-19. Other police impersonators have also been caught in California and Georgia.
