Police: 4 false stops reported in areas with low lighting, light traffic

Middletown police are looking for the occupants of a convertible they say have been driving around the city’s East End impersonating police officers.

Police said four false stops were reported last week in areas where there is little lighting and light traffic.

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The vehicle, described as a blue or gray convertible, made false stops late Wednesday and into the early morning hours of Thursday along Vannest Avenue, Fisher Avenue, Central Avenue and Euclid Street, according to police.

Witnesses said there were four “teenagers” in the car that had a blue light on the dashboard as well as a loud speaker and air horn.

The occupants are described by police as white males, with the driver wearing a flat-billed black hat.

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In Ohio, traffic stops must be made by a marked law enforcement vehicle, Middletown Police Maj. Scott Reeve told the Journal-News.

“Every so often, a detective will make a stop in an unmarked car, but that is usually when they see some type of suspicious activity,” Reeve said.

If someone suspects they are being pulled over by a person who is not a police officer, they should drive to a populated area before stopping and call 911, Reeve said.

The vehicle in the alleged Middletown incidents was last seen at Bull’s Run Arboretum on Rosedale Road traveling south on Breiel Boulevard, according to police.

The Middletown Division of Police posted a warning Sunday afternoon on Facebook about the reported false stops.

If you know who these people are or have seen the vehicle, call dispatch at 513-425-7700.

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