Police Seeking Suspect Who Impersonated Officer, Pulled Over School Bus

REDLANDS (CBSLA.com) — Redlands Police are seeking the public's help in locating a man suspected of impersonating a police officer and pulling over a school bus on Friday afternoon.

The driver of a Redlands Unified School District bus had just exited Interstate 10 at University Street and turned west onto Citrus Avenue when the suspect, who was driving a silver sedan, used blue and red flashing lights mounted underneath the rear view mirror of his vehicle to signal for the bus to pull over.

The suspect reportedly stated that he was a police officer and displayed a gold badge in the shape of a star. Police also said that the man had an identification card affixed to his shirt with the word 'Investigator' in red letters.

"Obviously this was a big concern to the district," said Sabine Robertson-Phillips with the Redlands School District. "We're just relieved there were no students on board the bus when the incident occurred."

Authorities said the man drove away after the driver of the bus said she was calling California Highway Patrol.

"The fact that she handled it appropriately and it resulted in the man leaving, we were very pleased with that," said Robertson-Phillips.

The man is described as a white male approximately 30-35 years old, with short reddish brown hair and a thin build, around six feet tall. He was last seen wearing a light blue button down shirt and tan pants.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword "REDTIP."