Brookline Police Warn of Fake Cop Making Traffic Stops

Brookline police are warning residents to be on the look out for a man who may be posing as a police officer and making traffic stops around town.

The warning comes a day after a woman was reportedly pulled over near Hammond and Heath streets by a man who acted like a police officer but never identified himself or showed a badge. Police say the man was not a Brookline officer and probably didn't come from any other law enforcement agency.

The woman described the man as a dark-skinned male, possibly Hispanic, and about 50 years old. He drove a dark-colored Ford outfitted with flashing headlights and a siren, which is illegal for those citizens not working in law enforcement.

According to a police report, the man chastised the driver for driving by several cars on the wrong side of the road to make a left turn, telling her "what you did was not right." After she apologized, he reportedly said, "I will let you go, the holidays are near, use your head," and left.

Capt. Thomas Keaveny said the Brookline Police Department has checked all records and determined that none of its officers made the stop. He said it's possible that an officer from another department pulled the woman over while passing through town, but he added that an out-of-town officer would have to be "an idiot" to make a stop in plain clothes and an unmarked vehicle without identifying himself or showing a badge.

In response to the incident, Brookline police have issued a set of guidelines for anyone approached by someone who appears to be impersonating a police officer. Police say residents should not hesitate to ask officers in plainclothes to show a badge or identification, or call the Brookline Police Department at 617-730-2222 to confirm the officer's identity.

Yesterday's incident comes a little over a week after another man was stopped in Brookline driving a red van . Police reported that the vehicle was outfitted with illegal flashing headlights connected to after-market switches and had firefighter license plates. The driver of the car, a 62-year-old condo maintenance manager named Richard Brignolo, was arrested on weapons charges after police reportedly found a stun gun and switchblade in the vehicle.

Police also issued a warning last month after receiving several calls about a woman trying to gain access to homes near the Brookline Reservoir by . Police eventually arrested a 59-year-old woman named Althea Smith in connection with the complaints.