People in northeast Georgia and western North Carolina need to stay vigilant regarding a man impersonating a police officer and conducting false traffic stops.

ANF reports that in Towns County and Union County in Georgia, as well as Cherokee County in North Carolina, a man has been stopping vehicles while impersonating law enforcement.

He is described as driving a black Dodge Charger with tinted windows, a single emergency light, and a tinted license plate cover. The vehicle is said to be unlike the law enforcement vehicles in the area.

Law enforcement is looking for a suspect described as a white man, “small in stature with brown hair.” He is reportedly wearing a gray and dark blue uniform with a vest that holds a radio and handcuffs.

Deputies in the affected counties emphasize that all official patrol cars are marked, and proper identification will be presented by law enforcement during traffic stops, according to 11 Alive.

If an unmarked vehicle stops you and you feel unsafe, sheriffs recommend the following steps:
– Call 911 to verify the legitimacy of the traffic stop.
– Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to stop, and pull over once you are in a populated area.
– Do not exit your vehicle without instructions from law enforcement.

If you suspect someone is impersonating law enforcement, the sheriff’s office encourages you to contact 911, explain your concerns, and a qualified member of Towns County 911 will guide you on what to do next.

“Citizen safety is our top priority, and we are taking these reports as a personal attack on your safety and that of all members of the law enforcement community who protect the roads we travel every day,” the sheriff’s office said. “Stay safe, and again, if in doubt, call 911,” ANF reported.

[Feature Photo via ANF]