Pocono News Section

Fake Cop Attacks Woman in the Poconos

Fake Cop Attacks Woman in the Poconos - Friday, February 6, 2009 at 5:25PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Feb 6, 2009 @ 05:25pm EST
SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - An early morning trip turned into a terrifying experience in the Poconos. Police say a man pretended he was a cop and attacked a 22 year old woman. It happen in Smithfield Township, Monroe County at about 12:30 Friday morning.

A young woman was driving along Franklin Hill Road when she says she saw a flashing blue light in the car behind her. She pulled over and learned that it wasn't a police officer behind the wheel.

The woman told officers when the impersonator walked up to her car she gave her information. Then she said he tried to pull her out of the car. When she resisted she says he punched her in the face.

"That's scar. That is just very scary," said Karen Schaffert of Pocono Summit.

Police say the woman managed to escape and the fake cop ran away. "I think that it's really horrible and it's really unfortunate to hear that it happened right here," said Paige Gausman of East Stroudsburg.

Now women who drive around the area say they're nervous about pulling over for an unmarked car. Stroud Area Regional Police Lieutenant Brian Kimmins shared some advice. He said, "Maintain your composure. Drive t o an area you become comfortable with. Have your dome light on, four ways on. Perhaps even call 911 to verify that it's a police officer behind you."

You should also ask for I. D. before you roll your window down. The advice may make the traffic stop take a little longer but it could prevent you from becoming a victim.

Police say the fake officer was a black male in his early 30s. He was wearing light blue jeans, a black leather jacket and a black wool cap. He also had a light scar across his left cheek.

If you have any information, call 9-1-1.