Fake cop tricks gullible victim

PROVO — With a shiny plastic police badge and a hand-held radio, a man allegedly tricked a trusting victim into thinking he was being investigated and needed to pay an immediate $350 ticket.

The man allegedly approached the victim outside the Maverick gas station at 309 N. Main in Springville on Saturday, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in 4th District Court.

The man then flipped out a black wallet and a silver badge and told the victim he was investigating a robbery.

"It was one of those things that says 'special police,' and it looks like something you'd get when you buy a Halloween costume," said Springville Police Lt. Dave Caron. "But he shows it quickly, in a black wallet, and this guy just fell for it."

The man then said he needed to take the victim to Spanish Fork to clear up the case, then instead drove the man to Provo.

Once in Provo, the man took the victim's ID and pretended to be running a check. At this point, the passenger noticed a gun stuffed between the driver's seat and the center console, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Realizing he was being robbed and because there was a gun involved, the victim decided to just give the "policeman" the money, after which the man kicked him out of the car, Caron said.

"It's disconcerting," Caron said. "We don't know (about other victims). I wouldn't be surprised if someone else steps forward. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."

The victim came to police that day and thanks to video surveillance from the gas station, the police were able to get the license plate number, track the rental car to the agency and find the man at his apartment.

He initially gave a false name but was identified by his wife, niece and the rental car company employees, according to the affidavit.

However, the man told police he was friends with the gas station victim and that the victim owed him money. The two only drove to Provo to get money to pay off the loan, according to the affidavit.

A 34-year-old man was booked into the Utah County Jail on $25,000 cash for investigation of kidnapping, robbery and impersonation of a police officer, as well as possession of methamphetamine.

He also has an immigration hold because he has an aggravated re-entry, meaning he entered the country after he was once removed, Caron said.

Caron reminds individuals that if they're pulled over by an officer, a real badge will show the jurisdiction, such as Springville or Salt Lake City, as well as the officer's name. People can ask to see the officer's ID card, Caron said.

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