Watch Out For Men Impersonating Deputies, Sarasota Sheriff Warns

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be cautious following a report that a group of men impersonated law enforcement officers in north Sarasota.

"A Sarasota couple reported being pulled over early Saturday near 17th Street and Dodge Avenue by a black four-door sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger or Chevrolet Impala, with chrome rims and a red and blue light bar in the windshield," sheriff's spokesperson Wendy Rose wrote in a media release Monday. "The male victim was ordered to get on the ground, but when the female victim was ordered out of the car she noticed scratches and damage to the front end and remarked that it was not a real police car. The suspects fled."

The suspects described three black men in their 20s or 30s wearing black shirts with the word "SHERIFF" on it, black boots and black pants. They had with them two wooden stock shotguns and a gold, semi-automatic handgun with a black grip, Rose said.

"Motorists who are concerned about being pulled over by an unmarked vehicle should call 911 to let the call taker know what is going on, give your location and have that person provide directions on what to do," Rose said. "They can confirm if you are being pulled over by a legitimate law enforcement officer, and if you are not, dispatch units to that location immediately."

Anyone with information on this incident, the suspects or the vehicle is asked to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477), online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Sign up for the Sarasota Patch email newsletter to get our top headlines delivered straight to your inbox so you won't miss a thing!