Depew Police Warn Of Officer Impersonators

Depew Police warn of two men pretending to be police officers and committing a robbery April 4, 2018.

Depew Police Chief Chris Fetters says around 6 o’clock Wednesday morning two men impersonating police officers pulled over a man and carried out what the chief calls "a strong-armed robbery."

Fetters says the men flashed red and blue lights, and the victim pulled over.  Fetters says the two men then "walked up to him and said, 'Do me a favor.  Can you pull around the corner please, where it's a little safer for us?'"

The two men reportedly wore tan shirts with badges pinned to them and, when they asked the victim to step out of his car, they robbed him.  Police say the victim was treated for facial injuries but is going to be OK.

The robbery happened on Highway 66 near Shamrock Road. Police issued the following descriptions of the suspects:

1. White male, 5'11" with medium build, early to mid 20s, with a goatee and unkempt hair.  He was wearing a tan, long-sleeved shirt with a star badge pinned on it and blue jeans.  Armed with a black semi-automatic handgun.
2. White male, 5'11" with heavyset build, early 30s, with unshaven face and unkempt hair.  He was also wearing a long-sleeved, tan shirt with star badge and blue jeans.  Also armed with black semi-automatic handgun.

The suspects were driving a tan, mid-2000s Dodge Charger.  The car didn't have a spotlight but did have a red and blue dash light.

Police say the victim was robbed of over $500 cash.

Fetters says he takes personal offense that two men would use his profession to take advantage of an unsuspecting victim.

"We as a police department try to make the people who live in our town, also travel through our town, feel somewhat safe," said Fetters.  "When something like this happens, we do take it very personal."

Fetters states that if you have any question about who is trying to pull you over, call 9-1-1 and make your way to a well-lit area.  The operator "will relay to that person on the phone, 'yes, that is actually a Depew police officer and they are legitimately trying to stop you,'" said Fetters.

Police say they are working with the victim and a sketch artist to create drawings of the suspects.

If you have any information about who committed this crime, call Depew Police Department.