The California Highway Patrol-Stockton has posted about an incident on Facebook where a real police officer came across a fake police car and pursued it.
Eventually, the chase led to a DUI arrest of the suspect driving the fake police car, and now, the CHP has a message for motorists.
The CHP post includes key points motorists could use to differentiate between real and fake patrol vehicles.
But if someone is still unsure, they can call 911 and verify the identity of the police officer. The incident in question did not occur during a traffic stop, but when a CHP patrol vehicle decided to go after the fake police vehicle because it gave away one big clue.
CHP Officer Spots a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office (LASO) Patrol Vehicle
According to the CHP – Stockton’s Facebook post, the incident occurred on July 6 around 10:13 p.m. when a CHP officer working a construction detail northbound on State Route 99 near Yosemite Avenue spotted a black-and-white Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office (LASO) patrol vehicle that was parked partially on the shoulder and the roadway.
When the CHP officer tried to make contact, the LASO patrol vehicle drove away. Eventually, the CHP officer stopped the LASO vehicle at the Yosemite Avenue off-ramp.
It came to light that the LASO patrol vehicle was not an authorized law enforcement vehicle. The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was identified as Kevin Michael Silva.
Further investigation revealed that Silva was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and for operating an unauthorized law enforcement patrol vehicle.
Motorists Advised by CHP to Call 911 If They Suspect Fake Police
The CHP – Stockton post also advised motorists to remain calm during a traffic stop and look out for signs that suggest a police car is a legitimate one. If they are still unsure, they can call 911. The post read:
“If you’re being stopped by an emergency law enforcement vehicle, stay calm. A legitimate law enforcement vehicle will be equipped with emergency lights and a siren. Activate your right turn signal to show you are acknowledging the officer and safely pull over to the right shoulder or the nearest safe well-lit location. The officer may also provide instructions over the public address system so make sure you turned down your music to listen. Once you stopped, place your vehicle in park, remain inside, and keep your hands visible. The officer should be wearing an official uniform with a badge and a nameplate and will explain the reason for the stop.
“If you’re unsure whether the person stopping you is a police officer, call 9-1-1 to verify that the traffic stop is legitimate.
“Your safety is our priority. The California Highway Patrol is committed to protecting our communities through active enforcement, education, and professional service.”
The charges filed against Silva have not been revealed. It is also unknown how or where he obtained the unauthorized law enforcement vehicle, or whether he stopped motorists while posing as a police officer. His motive for driving the unauthorized law enforcement vehicle also remains unknown.