CHP Investigates Car Theft by Suspects Posing as Police Officers

A Jeep Patriot was stolen Tuesday afternoon after its owner was signaled to pull over by what he believed to be a law enforcement vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol. 

The driver told CHP investigators that he was traveling westbound on state Route 905 at about 1 p.m. Tuesday when a white Crown Victoria with a red and blue light display came up behind him. Thinking he was being pulled over, the Jeep owner went a little way further and stopped on northbound Interstate 805 just south of Palm Avenue.

It was then that a man described as a Hispanic male in his 20s exited the Crown Victoria from the passenger side wearing a black jacket with the word "POLICE" across the chest. He also appeared to have a gun holstered at his right hip.

After being ordered out of his Jeep, the man posing as a police officer got in the vehicle and drove away with it. The Crown Victoria followed.

The 28-year-old victim, who is from Tijuana, was not able to provide a description of the suspect driving the Crown Victoria.

If you witnessed this crime or have information about it, the CHP is asking help from the public to capture these suspects. Call Investigator K. Jackman at 619-220-5492.