Comox Valley RCMP responded to a report of a motorcyclist possibly impersonating a police officer, amid rising tensions in the wake of the Nova Scotia tragedy.
BԪַA frontline member of the Comox Valley RCMP Municipal Traffic section stopped a motorcycle after a report that it may be impersonating a police motorcycle (Thursday, April 23) at approximately 1:40 p.m.,BԪַ said Comox Valley RCMP media relations liaison, Monika Terragni.
The motorcyclist was reportedly pulled over on Ryan Road, about a block away from the RCMP detachment.
BԪַThe member conducted an investigation regarding the likeness of the motorcycle to that of a police vehicle and provided the driver with guidance to prevent such an issue in the future,BԪַ said Terragni, in response to a query from the Comox Valley Record, after an anonymous tip.
BԪַHis motorcycle has police decals and his riding gear is made to look like an RCMP motorcycle policeman,BԪַ said the tipster. BԪַItBԪַs a white Honda Goldwing.
BԪַIt is very upsetting seeing this copycat after what has happened in Portapique, NS. If [I was]asked to pull over by an RCMP motorcycle cop, I donBԪַt know if I would do it. I would drive slow to an area where there are other people before stopping.BԪַ
Terragni said the concerns are understandable, and offered advice for anyone unsure of whether a traffic stop is legitimate.
BԪַFollowing the tragic events in Nova Scotia, residents may have a heightened concern about people imitating police officers,BԪַ she said. BԪַIf you are being asked to pull over and you have a concern that it is not legitimate, you may proceed in a safe manner to the closest well-lit and populated area (or police detachment). If this is not possible, you can call 9-1-1 for the purpose of confirming that it is a police officer trying to pull you over.BԪַ
terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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