The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 06:34 PM

Morristown Police On High Alert For Man Impersonating A Police Officer Frisking, Then Robbing Residents

Morristown Police have been on high alert for a man impersonating a police officer, frisking and then robbing residents.

The first reported robbery occurred on Oct. 4 when a Morristown man said that a white male knocked on his door with plain clothes, a badge, and asked to come inside. Once inside the home, the man frisked the homeowner and stole his wallet.

Investigators said two similar incidents happened within a mile radius of each other. Natalie Pugh with Morristown Police said all of the victims were Hispanic and appear to have been targeted.

Pugh said that if any resident is concerned that a person is impersonating an officer, they need to call 911 immediately.

"If any citizen is being approached by a law enforcement officer, definitely call 911 for any matter for anything you are uncomfortable with," said Pugh.

Witness descriptions have varied on the suspect, but officials with the Morristown Police Department told Local 8 News they believe there is only one suspect.

The suspect has been described as somewhere between 5'5" and 6 feet tall with a military style haircut and possibly a red tattoo on his right arm.

Police reports also said the fake officer has been seen driving a Chevrolet or GMC pickup extended cab, possibly a 2008 model. Other reports said the man was in a gray four-door sedan.

Business owners in the neighborhood said they are worried for themselves and their customers.

Shaq Mitchell said police officers should be just as worried as citizens.

"It's not good, not just for the citizens, but for the officers because if somebody come up on me as an officer and they robbing people, is he actually a real officer or an impersonator," said Mitchell.

If you have any information, Morristown Police ask that you call 423-585-2701 any time of day.