Driver uses bear spray to escape fake cop during roadway assault in El Dorado County
El Dorado County Sheriff’s officials are warning residents after a man impersonating a deputy pulled over and assaulted a driver last week on a county road before the driver used bear spray to get away.
The incident occurred between 8 and 9 p.m. Feb. 3 near China Hill Road and Highway 49, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities described the suspect as a man in his 30s, about 6 feet tall and unshaven. He was driving a black-and-white sport utility vehicle equipped with flashing red and blue lights on the dashboard, officials said.
The driver initially believed the stop was legitimate, deputies said in a news release. The man approached the vehicle and ordered the driver to get out before grabbing at the driver and attempting to pull them from the car.
The driver used bear spray to repel the suspect and drove away to a safe location, the Sheriff’s Office said.
El Dorado deputies said they operate unmarked vehicles equipped with emergency lights and sirens in compliance with California law. Deputies are identifiable or can produce proper identification and must explain the reason for a traffic stop.
Sheriff’s officials are asking anyone with information or video surveillance footage to call detectives at 530-642-4710 or email Floresd@eldoradosheriff.gov.
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