Provincial police are investigating a report of a Christmas Day robbery involving suspects impersonating police officers on Highway 401 in Chatham-Kent.
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A person was driving in the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 on Wednesday about 9 pm, at the mile marker closest to Queen’s Line, near Tilbury, when they were stopped by two vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield, police said Friday afternoon.
The driver was ordered out of their vehicle by two people and when they did so, their vehicle was stolen.
The complainant was taken to a local hospital by EMS with minor injuries, police said.
The suspects are described as a six-foot Black male in his 30s, wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and a black ballistic-styled vest with a handgun in a holster. and a five-foot-eight brown male wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and a black ballistic-styled vest.
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No description of the third suspect, who remained in a vehicle, was provided.
The involved vehicles are described as a black sedan with red/blue flashing lights in the windshield and a black SUV. No police markings were on either vehicle.
The investigation is ongoing. Police believe this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety.
“The OPP wish to remind the public that citizens may ask a police officer to provide the name of their service, detachment, badge number, rank officer’s badge and warrant card,” police said. “The officer should be able to provide this information without delay.”
If anyone witnessed the interaction, or has information, such as dashcam footage, that could assist with the investigation or help identify the suspects involved, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave an anonymous online message at https://stthomascrimestoppers.ca/ where they may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
“Police impersonation is not a common or widespread issue for the OPP, however, it is considered a serious offense,” Const. Brett Phair told The Daily News.
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