Driver pulled over by man impersonating deputy

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – A drive in rural Liberty County about 12:30 p.m. Saturday led to a traffic stop by someone who was not law enforcement. 

A driver said he was pulled over for going three miles over the speed limit by a man claiming to be a sheriff's deputy.

"He said he was a sheriff. And to find out, it wasn't," Deborah Robles said.

She read online about the encounter on Texas 321 near FM 1008 in the Tarkington Community of Liberty County. She reposted it to warn her neighbors.

"If there were someone out there impersonating a cop, they should be caught. We got law enforcement. My dad was law enforcement," she said.

The Liberty County Sheriff's Office confirmed the wannabe deputy was driving an unmarked, older white Ford Crown Victoria with small emergency dash lights. The Sheriff's Office said they have few such cars and are usually used to transport inmates.

"It was impossible to determine what department he would have been with," Capt. Ken DeFoor said.

He told KPRC 2 that the peace office impersonator had no name tag and no patch from his agency. The Sheriff's Office said the impersonator let the driver go after a very short conversation. 

"If they walk up to your vehicle, be observant. Look at shoulder patches. See what county, what city they may be. If in fact it's a badge, in this particular incident, he did not approach the citizen in what you would consider to be a professional manner," Captain DeFoor said.

DeFoor said you can also call 911 to confirm that the car behind you is truly law enforcement. Deputies also said if it's dark outside that driving with your flashers on to a lighted area is a good idea.

If you are stopped by the impersonator, please call the Liberty County Sheriff's Office dispatcher at 936-336-4500.

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