Woman sexually assaulted by police impersonator in Corona

CORONA, Calif. (KABC) -- Corona Police are seeking a suspect who impersonated a police officer and pulled over a woman and sexually assaulted her late at night in September.

An adult woman driving on Railroad Avenue near Sheridan Street was pulled over by a dark-colored vehicle with a spotlight and a forward-facing red light at about 2:30 a.m. on an unspecified date in September, police said.

The male suspect approached the woman and directed her to drive a short distance to a dark street, where he forcibly assaulted her in his vehicle, according to police. The assault took place less than half a mile from the Corona Police Department.

The suspect was wearing a uniform that had no police insignia, and the vehicle did not have any markings or equipment normally found on or in a police car.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic man in his mid to late 30s, standing about 6 feet 1 inch tall with a large build, with short dark hair.

Corona Police are asking for anyone with information, or if you believe you have possibly been stopped by this imposter, to please contact Senior Detective Gail Gottfried at (951) 279-3623.

If someone is not sure that they are being pulled over by a police officer, there are several steps one can take to validate the identity of the officer and police agency.

• Check if the police officer is in a marked police vehicle.
• See if the officer is in uniform. If the officer is not in uniform, request a uniformed officer.
• Remember, that if you really doubt the identity of someone trying to pull you over, you should proceed to a well-let, busy place such as a gas station, fast food place, convenience store, or police station. While doing so, turn on your four way flashers to notify the officer that you are aware he or she is trying to pull you over.
• Check if they have a badge.
• Ask for identification. Police carry identification clearly identifying them and their agency.
• Call 911 if you believe it's a fake.