Deputies investigate law enforcement impersonators

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is seeking tips following an April 20 report of law enforcement impersonators in North Sarasota, according to a news release.

An unnamed couple reported that a black four-door sedan with a red and blue light strip in its windshield pulled them over Saturday, April 20, mear 17th Street and Dodge Avenue. Three black males between the ages of 20 and 40 ordered the couple out of the car, but fled after the female victim said the sedan was not a real law enforcement vehicle.

The couple said the men wore black shirts sporting text that said “Sheriff,” black pants and boots, and carried two shotguns and a gold handgun.

Anyone with information about the event should contact Criminal Investigations at 861-4900, leave an anonymous message with Crime Stoppers at 366-8477 or by text messaging TIP109. Drivers can call 911 and give their location to verify an unmarked car is actually law enforcement during a traffic stop.