Buena Park Police Impostor Sought

Buena Park (myFOXla.com) - Buena Park police warned women to be on guard against a police impersonator who pulled over a 21-year-old woman and groped her.

You can watch Tony Valdez's report in the video player.

The impostor, dressed in makeshift uniform, detained a woman about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Western Avenue and Auto Center Drive, according to Sgt. William Kohanek. The suspect was described as white, in his early 30s, about 6 feet or taller, with a muscular build; he was wearing a blue short-sleeve uniform with a patch on one arm and a Sam Browne police-style belt -- but no gun.

The suspect was driving an older black-and-white Ford Crown Victoria, with a spotlight on the left side and white lettering on the right side of the windshield, police said.

After pulling over the woman, he asked her to get out of the car and hand over her driver's license, Kohanek said. He spoke with her for a short time, then touched her in a sexual way, he said.

The suspect gave her back her license, got back in the car and drove off, Kohanek said. The woman drove home and called police.

Buena Park police urged women who are pulled over to scrutinize the officer. The impostor was wearing a badge over his right breast. Real cops wear them over their hearts.

Police use red, forward-facing emergency lights mounted on a light bar atop the car when pulling over someone. If you question the authenticity of the officer, ask for police identification.

Anyone with more information was asked to call Buena Park's police hotline, (714) 562-3847.