Dear PoP – Watch Out for Fake Badges

Photo from PoPville Flickr user AWard Tour

“Dear PoP,

Yesterday as I was driving to work heading East on Monroe from 14th, there was construction filling in old potholes from New Hampshire Ave to 13th so traffic was diverted.

I was the first car at the light, waiting with my blinker on to turn, and from the opposite side of the street where the construction was, a green mini van darted into traffic when the light changed and I was in the process of turning. After hitting my horn to alert him, as he was not at the intersection when the light changed, and did not use his blinker to indicate where he was heading, he proceeded to follow me for several blocks around Petworth.

At one point I looked back to see if he was still there, and he was holding a badge towards the windshield. At first I thought I should stop, but luckily my morning coffee kicked in!

He was driving an unmarked green mini van, and there were not any emergency lights anywhere on his vehicle. I decided to continue driving and he drove in another direction.

After arriving at work, I called the police precinct on Park Road, who told me the next time that happens to call 911 and not to stop. I would have done that, but for some reason I had my cell phone in the back of the car that day. Lesson definitely learned!

I have heard about people flashing fake badges before, but having this happen on my way to work yesterday morning really woke me up! Usually I am a bit more aware of what is happening around me and can react accordingly. I am hoping you will post this to remind readers of the strange things that can and do happen every day, and that we will all remember to think quickly and safely if something does occur.”

Good lord that is scary. Good advice. If you’re not sure call 911 immediately!