Woman says fake officer tried to enter home

[Right2Carry]

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/169037.html

Woman says fake officer tried to enter home
By DEANNA BOYD
Star-Telegram staff writer
FORT WORTH -- Residents are asked to be on the alert after a woman reported that a man posing as a Fort Worth police officer tried to force his way into her north Fort Worth home early Friday.

The 28-year-old woman told police that she was awakened about 12:40 a.m. by someone knocking on the front door of her home in the 6900 block of Red Fox Trail, between Basswood and Western Center boulevards.

She opened the door partway and saw a man wearing a dark blue uniform with a Fort Worth police patch on the sleeve and a badge, and carrying a large flashlight, according to a police report.

He told her that he had been asked to check on her welfare, then asked whether she had any children or anyone at home with her.

She told him that her children were asleep.

The man then tried to push the front door open and enter the house, the report said. The woman, fearful that he was not a real police officer, slammed the door and called 911.

He left in a white four-door car, possibly a Chevrolet Caprice, police said.

The woman told police that there were several discrepancies in the man's uniform. It did not include a nameplate, the collar insignia said only "PD" and the badge had no panther on it but was rather just a shield with a piece of white tape across the bottom.

Lt. Dean Sullivan, a police spokesman, said residents can always ask for an officer's name, identification number and credentials. All officers carry an ID card unique to the Fort Worth Police Department, he said.

"If you have any question at all about the legitimacy or authenticity of a person you don't recognize as a Fort Worth police officer, please don't hesitate to call 911 as this victim did," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said investigators have reviewed overnight police calls.

"It does not appear any of our officers were in that area at the time this incident occurred," he said.

He said police are also checking with surrounding agencies for any reports of similar impersonators.

The man is described as white, 35 to 40 years old, 6 feet to 6 feet 1 inch tall, and 180 to 190 pounds with a blond military-style flattop haircut. He has blue eyes, a light beard and a large Adam's apple. He was wearing lace-up boots.

Anyone with information about his identity is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS (469- 8477).

dboyd@star-telegram.com
Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655

[Skiprr]

Other than the not-good actions of opening the door partway (at all), and answering the supposed officer's question about other people being in the house, I think we have to give it up for this woman coming quickly awake after that 12:40 a.m. disturbance and having, under the circumstances, exceptional observational skills. I read the article a second time noting each instance where she reported a specific detail about the suspect...and there may be other details not reported. Pretty impressive.

[phddan]

Good for her.
Its was good she was observant, and had the gumption to fight back.

Dan

[GaryTx]

This fake cop routine is a bad scene, expecially the unmarked cars. Anybody can buy flashing red lights and install them behind the grill.

[Jason73]

I hope (well, not really but....) this guy shows up at my door, if he does I have a BIIIIIIIG surprise for him

[Venus Pax]

That's good that she was so observant. Most ppl would not have been, especially at that hour.

[govnor]

I think a fake cop is my second scariest scenario behind a home invasion. I've been around a lot of LEOs though (from security work) and could probably pick out a fake one. Let's hope. Anyone posing as a cop, illegally, should face a firing squad of real ones.

[Sangiovese]

I think a fake cop is my second scariest scenario behind a home invasion.

I agree.

That is one lucky lady. Once the door was open she was in a LOT of danger. Hope that guy gets caught soon - very good description of him to go on, most witnesses would not be able to provide details like that.

[stevie_d_64]

A very fine line to walk, on any side of the equation...

[pbandjelly]

Just wanted to update:

Heard on Russ Martin yesterday (105.3 Free FM) that they caught this guy, based predominately off of the description of the suspect, car, and things of this nature.
I believe he was in custody by the end of the weekend.

bail was set at twenny bucks....

[Xander]

Just wanted to update:

Heard on Russ Martin yesterday (105.3 Free FM) that they caught this guy, based predominately off of the description of the suspect, car, and things of this nature.
I believe he was in custody by the end of the weekend.

bail was set at twenny bucks....

More information here: http://www.nbc5i.com/news/13700382/deta ... d=10101601

[pbandjelly]

CBS

[JKDubb]

This is the reason that I have a storm door, I know that it is all glass but I believe that it will give a second of time to shut the door and get away from it. I never allow my children to open any doors after the sun goes down either regardless of who we are expecting @ the house. They are never to open the door when the person has never been inside our home before.

Kudos to this lady for being very alert and getting a good description of this loser.

[govnor]

Just wanted to update:

Heard on Russ Martin yesterday (105.3 Free FM) that they caught this guy, based predominately off of the description of the suspect, car, and things of this nature.
I believe he was in custody by the end of the weekend.

bail was set at twenny bucks....

Heh, figures that you're a Russ listener. I listen every day...

[pbandjelly]

great minds think alike?