Chief Monte Says no Current Threat to Community
GRANTS, NM – While the imposter has not been caught, Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte wants to assure the public that there is no current threat to the community. Chief Monte said the case was still open and police are actively investigating the imposter situation.
An imposter had been travelling the streets of Grants. The imposter even pulled a Grants resident over. The incident occurred on Jan. 8 when the resident was stopped by the impersonator who was in a white 2000s model Chevy Tahoe that had red flashing lights. Grants Police Department vehicles have emergency lights that flash red and blue. The impersonator’s lights were only flashing red. Grants Police Department does not have any Chevy Tahoes in their fleet, the vehicle the impersonator was driving.
What Does the Impersonator Look Like?
The impersonator is a taller Hispanic male. Standing 5’11” to 6’ tall, he has short dark hair.
There is no further description of the impersonator at this time.
All police officers are required to carry their badge and commission card. Chief Monte said that residents should ask to see an officer’s commission card if they are pulled over or are unsure if the person pulling them over is a licensed police officer. If the officer in question refuses to show this identification, call 911 immediately.
How do Police Know About the Impersonator?
Around 4 p.m. on Jan. 8, a Grants resident was driving from Walmart when he noticed the white Chevy Tahoe following him. The resident turned onto McArthur, at which point the impersonator’s emergency lights began to flash. The impersonator walked to the window of the resident and asked, “Do you know why I pulled you over?”
The impersonator was wearing a black windbreaker with a Grants Police Department patch embroidered on it. He wore a white t-shirt and blue Levi jeans. The impersonator did not appear to have a firearm or a badge. The impersonator said that the resident had been speeding. After close examination of what the impersonator was wearing, the resident decided to ask for the impersonator’s badge and commission card. The impersonator refused, at which point the citizen said that the impersonator was free to call for backup but he was going to leave because he felt unsafe.
The resident was able to leave without further incident. He immediately called 911.
Officers canvassed the surrounding area and were unable to find a 2000s model Chevy Tahoe in the area.
What is GPD Doing to Find the Impersonator?
“It is our top priority to stop this person,” Chief Monte said.
Currently, Grants Police Department is pulling all of its records involving white Chevy Tahoes to look for a potential link to this crime. By state statute, vehicles with emergency lights must have the proper authorization and approval from the local police authority – in this case, that would be Chief Monte. GPD is going through all of the commissions they have granted for emergency lights to make sure that none of these commissions are being used to aide in the impersonation of officers.
“What the public can do: Can ask for identification, badge, and commission card. Tell the officer they are going to call dispatch and verify [the officer’s] identity,” Chief Monte said. The chief said Grants Police Department is actively following up on leads and urges caution among the city’s residents.