Newspapers: Police Impersonation by Two Sherman County men, Oregon

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Earline Wasser <vhambv@hotmail.com.    July 2004
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Two Men Arrested For Police Impersonation
Series of Night Traffic Stops Alarmed Drivers
By Rodger Nichols of The Chronicle
Sunday, March 21, 2004

Two Sherman County men have been arrested on charges of impersonating laws 
Enforcement officers.

Kit Hill, 19, of Wasco [Oregon] was arrested and booked at the regional jail 
Friday on four counts of criminal impersonation, a class C felony. Bryce Olsen
18, of Moro [Oregon], was also arrested for being a participant in the 
impersonations.

The investigation began March 8 after a lone female driver reported that she
Had been stopped after midnight on highway 97. According to a public safety 
Bulletin issued by the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office last week, “A vehicle
Came up behind her and the headlights started flashing. The driver thought 
This was a police officer stopping her and she pulled over to the side of the
Road. The vehicle followed and stopped. Shortly after stopping, the 
Impersonating police vehicle made a U-turn and left the area.

The bulletin said on March 15, around the same time of night, three more 
Drivers reported similar incidents. “This time,” the bulletin said, “the 
Reports included blue flashing lights near the dash area of the vehicle along
With flashing headlights. The use of a spot-light blinded the drivers who 
Were pulled over so a description of the suspects is minimal.”

In addition, the suspects were described as using a loud-speaker to give orders
To the drivers.

Distribution of the bulletin brought in information needed to make the arrests.

“This is a very serious crime that really instills fear into the public about 
being contacted on a traffic stop by law enforcement,” said Sherman County 
Sheriff Brad Lohrey. “Actions like these increase the likelihood that people 
Will not stop for legitimate traffic stops due to concern for their safety.”

Lohrey pointed out that even the suspects were in danger, “As law enforcement
Officers we use the radio to let people know where we are at all times,” he
Said. “We wear defensive equipment in case we stop someone that may intend on
Hurting us. By taking these actions, they were putting themselves in danger
Without the benefit of radio or any defensive equipment. We’re just glad this
Ended the way it did.”


Written permission to reprint given by The Dalles Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon.