Search Underway For Man Accused Of Impersonating Officer In Attack On Woman In Duarte

DUARTE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities need help in finding a man who posed as a peace officer and assaulted a woman in Duarte last week.

Investigators released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as white, 40-50 years old, 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds. He was wearing a green polo-style shirt.

The crime happened in the 1400 block of Buena Vista Street around 11 p.m. Saturday.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect was driving a light-colored, late model, full-size sedan with tinted windows and flashing red and blue lights.

Deputies said the suspect pulled a woman over, threatened to arrest her then assaulted her. She was injured but is expected to be OK.

"Now, I'm aware of my surroundings, and I'm not going to go out late at night because it was right by my house," a neighbor said.

Deputies urged people to always make sure an officer is wearing a badge. They said if you do not feel comfortable pulling over to the side of the road, stop in a public place like a gas station.

Anyone with information about the fake cop is urged to call the sheriff's department at (626) 285-7171, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.