Full Notification

For Immediate Release

Impersonating an Officer ALERT!

(Paulding County, GA) The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help with locating and identifying a suspect that reportedly stopped a vehicle last night on Hitchcock Rd shortly after midnight using flashing blue lights to look like a police vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle was described as a dark colored vehicle that looked like an “unmarked police car.”

The victim stated that she pulled over on Hitchcock Rd when she saw the blue lights behind her. The suspect vehicle pulled around her and stopped in front of her as if to block her and then turned the blue lights off. She said that the car had flashing blue lights in the front and back windows. The suspect (described as a black male approximately 6’2 to 6’3, stocky build) approached her car wearing a dark colored, long sleeve jumpsuit and asked her for her driver’s license. She noticed that there was no badge or name tag visible on the clothing. The suspect asked her to get out of the car but she did not and instead asked him to follow her to a public parking lot before she got out. The suspect again asked her to get out before stating “never mind” and left the area.

Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge wants to remind citizens that it is not common for unmarked vehicles to be used to conduct traffic stops. “It is ok to slow down and proceed to the nearest lighted parking lot to stop,” noted Sheriff Gulledge. “Dial 9-1-1 and ask the dispatcher if the vehicle behind you is in fact a police officer.” Remember to slow down and activate your hazard lights if you decide to proceed to a lighted parking lot or call 9-1-1 before stopping. This will signal to the officer behind you that you are not trying to flee.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010. If you feel like you are being stopped by this suspect, dial 9-1-1 immediately.