MILTON, Delaware — A man was attacked and robbed early Saturday morning after being pulled over by suspects pretending to be federal agents in Sussex County. According to investigators, the victim was driving along Burton Road near Sand Hill Road around 2 a.m. when a vehicle behind him flashed red and white lights. Believing it was law enforcement, the man pulled over. Two masked men approached, both wearing dark clothing and vests marked with the word “ICE.”
One suspect had a knife, the other a gun. The man with the knife pulled the victim from his car, pressed the weapon into his side, and took his wallet. He then punched the victim in the face before both suspects drove off with an undisclosed amount of cash. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of facial injuries.
Authorities are warning the public that the suspects may be using law enforcement gear to target drivers. Both men were wearing masks and dark clothing. No further descriptions have been released.
A direct message from the Delaware State Police reads:
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective C. Simpson by calling (302) 752-3855. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY:
Those who impersonate law enforcement officers compromise the public’s trust in law enforcement and may endanger unsuspecting people. There are several tips you can remember to protect yourself during a traffic stop while helping law enforcement do their jobs:
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Call 9-1-1 if you have any doubts, and stay on the line as you drive to your closest police station.
Turn your flashers on and try to stop in a well-lit area or a location where there are a lot of people present – a legitimate officer will understand if you continue until you find a well-lit area to pull over.
Look for a uniform, official department jacket, other equipment used by police officers for the performance of their duties, and/or a marked police vehicle. If it is not a marked unit, the emergency lights should be built in, and not a temporary light placed on the vehicle. You can always call 9-1-1 to verify that an unmarked police car is in your area or to request a marked unit.
If the officer is in plainclothes, look for identifying clothing and equipment. If unsure, explain to the “officer” that you are unsure about the situation, and ask them to display official department identification and badge. You may call their department to verify their identity.
Pay attention to what they are asking. Most officers will advise you of the reason for the stop and request your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. If they immediately tell you to get out of the car without any preliminary questions, be suspicious.
