Aug 28, 2008 5:31 pm US/Eastern
State Troopers Seek Police Impersonator
SYKESVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
Maryland State Police are seeking a man who is impersonating a state trooper and asking for money.
The suspect approached a homeowner in Sykesville.
Suzanne Collins reports State Police are very concerned that other people might be victimized. They are aggressively canvassing the neighborhood where the imposter was seen.
A trooper is going door-to-door on Old Liberty Road in Sykesville asking if anyone else has encountered what they say is a fake state trooper. The suspect approached a home asking for money.
"It looked like it was an old military uniform. He was dressed like a state trooper, but the outfit you could tell, it was a little older. He did have the pins and things on the collar," said the homeowner.
The suspect said he was raising funds for the State Police Aviation Division to replace helicopters and also for the Carroll County Sheriff's Office.
The victim says the man had what looked like an official patch and a policeman's belt.
"I started asking him questions and he started fumbling over his words, and he started getting a little bit more nervous," said the homeowner. "I don't think he expected to come to the door and have somebody interrogate him."
The Maryland State Police say they never go door-to-door soliciting funds. As a matter of fact, the don't fundraise from the public at all. All of their money comes from the state budget. The Carroll County Sheriff's Office also say they too never raise funds from the public.
"We would want the public to call as soon as possible if they come in contact with this individual because we want to get this individual off the street as soon as possible. He is out there falsely representing MSP," said Sgt. Arthur Betts, Maryland State Police.
Police are wondering if the motive was just money or if the man is a felon.
The imposter is described as an African-American with medium complexion. He's 6' tall and weighs about 150 pounds.
"He did have two gold teeth on the left hand side and a very short, close to the face goatee. That was also shocking because I haven't seen another state trooper with one of those," said the homeowner.
State Police say troopers are barred from having facial hair other than moustaches.
Officials say it isn't hard these days to get realistic looking police patches or uniforms on the Internet. They suggest you ask for a photo ID if you're concerned about a trooper. You can even call the barracks to check.
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