Fake cops rob family, leave them stranded

A Chowchilla family was robbed at gunpoint on Interstate 5 near Maxwell around 10 p.m. Friday night, driven to a remote location off Colusa-Maxwell Road and left stranded.

The California Highway Patrol said the robbers were two men dressed as law enforcement officers who used a flashing red light in order to get the driver to pull over.

The driver, whose name has not been released, was driving a 2001 Ford Expedition southbound with his wife and three daughters when he was pulled over for what he believed to be a legitimate traffic stop by law enforcement.

The family claims that two men approached the vehicle, identified themselves as peace officers and asked the driver to step out of the car, according to CHP public affairs Officer John Waggoner.

One of the men was described as white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 180 pounds, with blond or brown hair and a full beard. The other man was described as Hispanic, about 6 feet tall and 175 pounds, wearing a ski mask and brandishing a handgun. Both wore what appeared to be law enforcement uniforms, utility belts, bullet-proof vests and had badges, the CHP said.

The two men forced the driver from the car, bound his hands and feet, then put him inside the fake police vehicle, believed to be a late model Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by the white male. 

The man with the handgun and wearing a ski mask, drove the victim’s vehicle with the man’s family still inside, the CHP said.

Waggoner said both vehicles traveled together to the same location off Maxwell-Colusa Road. 

The family was forced out of the vehicles, but were otherwise unharmed, Waggoner said.

The two men then left the area in both vehicles, taking the family’s Ford with all their personal possessions, including the male victim’s wallet and cash.

The CHP is still investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to contact the Williams CHP office at 473-2821.

Meanwhile, Waggoner said motorists should be aware that none of the city, county or state traffic enforcement vehicles have a single, rotating red light as used in this incident.

“Law enforcement vehicles have a solid red light with flashing blue and red lights,” Waggoner said. “None have a single rotating light.”

Waggoner said motorists who suspect that a vehicle trying to enforce a stop is not a legitimate law enforcement vehicle are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or drive slowly to a well-lit location before pulling over.

Motorists can also ask the officer for identification before exiting their vehicles.

When a handgun is involved, as in this incident, Waggoner said motorists should remain calm and not resist.

Following Friday’s robbery, the family was able to flag down a passing motorists who called 9-1-1.