A Hempstead County woman reported that a man was impersonating a police officer near Spring Hill about 11:15 p.m. Sunday, Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton said this week.

The man was driving a white, two-door car and activated a siren, making the woman pull her vehicle over to the side of the road. The man claimed to be a law-enforcement officer.

The woman was on her way home when the car pulled in behind her at Hempstead County Road 5 and Arkansas 355.

The man, described as a white man with dark hair wearing blue jeans, came to her driver’s side window and asked to see her driver’s license. He said there had been reports of underage drivers in the area.

The woman said she then drove away and went home,the sheriff said.

“This is a very dangerous situation, and I would like to ask the citizens help in identifying this individual and vehicle. Unfortunately, this is all the description the female was able to give,” Singleton said.

“I want to caution citizens, especially female drivers who may encounter a situation like this, not to stop in a situation like this. Proceed to a well-lighted, populated area before considering stopping, and still if you are in doubt, dial 911 or your local law-enforcement agency and describe your hesitation to stop. The agency will immediately find out if you are being stopped by a real officer,” Singleton said.

“Most all Hempstead County sheriff vehicles are well-marked and have emergency lights and will not just activate a siren to make a traffic stop. They will activate the overhead emergency lights, blue lights,” Singleton said.

The Hempstead County sheriff’s office vehicles are four door Dodge Chargers, Dodge and Ford pickups and Dodge Durango SUVs marked with reflective sheriff markings, he said.

“We do not have two-door vehicles. Our deputies are dressed in uniforms. Only in emergency circumstances will a deputy not be in uniform while conducting traffic stops. And the very first thing our deputies will tell you is their name and that they represent the Hempstead County sheriff’s office. And if not in uniform, they will provide you with photo identification,” Singleton said.

Anyone with information on the identity of the vehicle or the individual is asked to contact the Hempstead County sheriff’s office, 911 or a local law-enforcement agency.

Arkansas, Pages 12 on 12/28/2013