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Fake officer robs driver in Seffner

 
Published May 26, 2015

SEFFNER — A thief posing as an undercover narcotics officer robbed a motorist during a phony traffic stop Monday morning, Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies say.

Jose Reyes, 34, said he pulled over at about 9:55 a.m. near Clay Pit Road and County Road 579 after the driver of a dark blue sport utility vehicle came up behind him, honked his horn and waved what appeared to be a badge out the window.

On the side of the road, the suspect got out of his SUV, walked up to Reyes' car, identified himself as an undercover narcotics officer, said he had a warrant for Reyes' arrest and needed to search his vehicle.

During the fake search, the suspect took Reyes' wallet, keys and cellphone. He then had Reyes go back to the SUV and sit in the back seat. He told Reyes to return to his car and get another ID. The impostor then sped away.

Sheriff's officials described the suspect as Hispanic, clean-shaven, with short hair, 5 feet 8 to 5 feet10, wearing a blue T-shirt and jeans and armed with a chrome or nickel-plated gun in a holster on his left side. He drove a dark blue SUV described as a Toyota 4Runner or Trailblazer with gray cloth interior.

Sheriff's officials think the suspect stopped another person in Lakeland on Monday afternoon.

Sheriff's officials said anyone with information should call the Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477. There is a reward for information leading to an arrest.