Press Release
February 11, 2021
Sheriff Chuck Smith reported that his agency has recently taken two reports related to the reported offense of Impersonating a Peace Officer.
“On February 2nd, 2021 around 11:30 am., a female reported that a black Dodge Charger, described as exceptionally clean, dark tinted windows, possibly black in color rims, with a blue and red flashing light on the dash, pulled in behind her at a driveway in the 5900 block of Whitehouse Parkway, Warm Springs, Ga. A white male, described as being approx. 5’7” to 5’9” in height, stocky build, short brown hair, clean shaven, wearing khaki pants and a grey t-shirt approached her vehicle. The white male alleged that the female driver had a registration issue with her vehicle. Once the female driver indicated that she had the proper paperwork the white male informed that he was just giving a warning and got back into his vehicle and headed in the direction of Warm Springs, Ga.
On February 10th, 2021 around 6:00 pm., a female reported that a similar described vehicle as listed above with a dim blue light in the dash area of said vehicle conducted a traffic stop on her vehicle on Woodbury Hwy., (Hwy 18/Ga. 109), approximately 5 miles east of Greenville, Ga. The female reported that a white male, described as being approx. 5’6” to 5’8” in height, approx. 200 lbs., around 30 years of age, short brown hair, clean shaven, wearing a black or dark blue jacket with a shield style emblem embroidered on the chest of the jacket, a tan in color button down shirt and khaki pants approached her vehicle. The white male told the female that she had some equipment violations with a trailer that she was pulling. He then obtained the females driver’s license and walked toward the rear of the trailer. The male subject then returned the driver’s license to the female advising that he was giving her a warning and for her to get the issue fixed immediately. The male subject then returned to his vehicle and left heading back toward Greenville, Ga.” Sheriff Chuck Smith said.
“We are asking for the publics help in seeking information that may possibly identify the subject in these incidents. If anyone saw or knows of any information related to these two events or if anyone has been stopped in a similar manner that has not notified law enforcement, we are asking you to contact us. Please contact our investigators at (706) 672-6647 or (706) 775-8326 if anyone has any additional information. Call 911 in emergencies. We have been and will continue to explore all of our investigative avenues to locate and identify this individual.” Sheriff Smith advised.
General Safety Tips: Law Enforcement Agencies are required by Georgia Code to have their patrol vehicles visually marked that identifies them as such. This includes but is not limited too; lettering, blue lights, etc. Although agencies have unmarked vehicles for specialized units, they are generally not used for traffic stops except in exigent circumstances. If anyone is being stopped by someone that they do not believe is a legitimate law enforcement unit/officer, they can drive at normal highway speed and call 911. The 911 dispatch should be able to verify if the stop is valid, if not they can send units to your direction of travel/location and give further instructions. Cell phones under the law can be utilized for emergencies such as calling 911 while driving. If anyone is being stopped by someone other than what they believe to be a valid law enforcement officer they should notify 911 immediately and drive toward a safe populated location.