GLEN BURNIE, Md. — A man impersonated a police officer to carry out a robbery early Saturday morning, according to Anne Arundel Police Department.
On Oct. 8 around 1 a.m., police with the agency went to the 100 block of Crain Highway N. to investigate the incident.
The suspect approached the victim, who was seated in a vehicle, and claimed to be an undercover police officer, a spokesperson said.
The man then requested to see the victim’s driver’s license. As the victim went to follow these directions, the police impersonator is accused of snatching the wallet, authorities said.
The suspect then ran toward Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. near the Glen Burnie Town Center, police explained.
The owner of Alberto’s Restaurant and Raw Bar said he saw the aftermath.
“I just saw the real police talking to a guy that was outside of the business,” Alberto Reyes said.
A spokesperson with the department confirmed that all police officers are required to carry credentials regardless of whether they’re undercover or dressed in uniform, which included their police ID and badge.
To ensure you are speaking with an actual police officer, you can ask to view those credentials.
“No officer will say no to the question,” the spokesperson said.
Glen Burnie resident Ray Mungro said he goes a step further to ensure he’s being pulled over by an actual officer.
“I always ask for a supervisor just in case,” Mungro said. “You just have to be careful and never assume that the person stopping you is a police officer.”
Detectives are in the process of investigating this incident. Anyone with information should contact detectives at Anne Arundel County’s Northern District at 410-222-6135.