Police: Fake Cop Stopped Cars on 202

Tredyffrin Police arrested a man they say posed as a law enforcement "investigator" and who is accused of pulling drivers over on U.S. 202.

Eric Bell, Jr. faces charges related to pulling over drivers while armed and dressed in a uniform. He was driving a dark blue Ford Crown Victoria tricked out with blue and white emergency lights and an array of antennae on the trunk lid, according to police. The vehicle may have looked like an unmarked police car to unsuspecting victims that Bell is accused of pulling over.

According to police, the charges stem from an incident last Monday, April 9 at 10:15 a.m. when Tredyffrin Township Police responded to investigate an initial report of an erratic driver in the northbound lanes of Route 202 in the area of mile marker 24.2 in Wayne.

Multiple Incidents

Montgomery County and Chester County Police had reports of a man who identified himself as Eric Bell and as an off duty “federal investigator." Police say Bell "was contacted on the shoulder of SR 202 northbound in the Wayne section of Tredyffrin Twp, with a dark blue Crown Victoria Police Interceptor including a trunk mounted antennae array and registered to 'United States Enforcement Officers.'"

Police say Bell displayed a badge and photographic identification card and had unlawfully detained a motorist.  Bell had engaged the victim, asking him, “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

The next day, Tredyffrin police say "investigators reviewed an intelligence summary including multiple recent prior police contacts with an Eric Bell driving a dark blue Ford Crown Victoria," and the fact that the vehicle was fully outfitted with emergency lighting.  Information received was that Bell was often armed in public, wearing a form of uniform, according to police.

Bell was pulled over last Thursday, April 12 and "contacted" on the shoulder by  Tredyffrin Township Police Department Detectives, Chester County Detectives and Caln Township Police officers made contact with Eric Bell, Jr. roadside after a stop while he was unlawfully operating his 2003 Ford Crown Victoria.

Fake Cop Car with a Loaded Gun

Bell confirmed that he was not certified as a law enforcement officer, security officer, or as a firefighter or fire policeman, police say, and Bell later admitted to operating the emergency lights while on the highways.  

During a search of the Bell's car, police say they found operational clear/white and blue lights, a loaded firearm, police-style equipment and contraband indicating financial crimes.    

Bell was araigned in Chester County District court on charges of false imprisonment, impersonating a public servant and other offenses related to pulling over drivers.