A man has been arrested after allegedly using a grey Chevrolet pick-up truck fitted with red and blue lights to carry out a fake traffic stop on Interstate 17 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The incident happened at about 8.29am on Thursday, September 17, on the southbound carriageway near Dove Valley Road. The Arizona Department of Public Safety said a silver Tesla, occupied by a man and a woman, had been pulled over by the driver of the pick-up.
Troopers were called to the scene after the alleged impostor contacted authorities himself and remained there while they arrived. Investigators determined that he had no law enforcement authority and was not affiliated with any police agency.
He was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of impersonating a police officer. His name has not been released.
Authorities said the older-model Chevrolet 2500-style truck was grey or silver, with emergency-style lights mounted above or behind the dashboard and visible through the windscreen. The driver was described as wearing a red polo shirt, dark jeans and a baseball cap.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said it was releasing details because the man, or somebody using a similarly equipped vehicle, may have stopped other motorists. Anyone who believes they were pulled over by the vehicle or driver has been asked to contact the Arizona tip line on 1-877-4AZ-TIPS.
Drivers who are unsure whether they are being stopped by a genuine officer are advised to switch on their hazard lights, slow down and continue to a well-lit, populated location while calling 911. They should keep their doors locked and only lower the window partially until the person’s identity has been confirmed.
Authorities stressed that drivers must acknowledge a legitimate traffic stop and pull over safely, adding that the guidance concerns where and how to stop rather than whether to comply. ([azdps.gov](https://www.azdps.gov/news/releases/1138?utm_source=openai))
