CHP: Woman assaulted after traffic stop by man impersonating officer in Alpine County

5 PM UPDATE: Alpine County Undersheriff Rob Levy provides new information regarding an assault of a woman Sunday night near Hope Valley who was stopped by a vehicle occupied by a man impersonating a police officer.

Authorities are looking for a man, described as a white, stocky build, approximately 40 to 50 years of age, 6 feet, two inches in height, 225 pounds, with dark hair and a bushy mustache. The male may have sustained injuries.

The male suspect’s vehicle was described as a newer full size diesel pickup, white in color, with possibly having aftermarket custom rims. Here is a news release issued Tuesday afternoon:

On 10-06-13, at approximately 9:00 pm a female was driving westbound on State Route 88 in the area of Woodfords Junction, Alpine County.
The female saw a white truck with unknown plates sitting in the same area. The female observed the truck begin to follow her into Woodfords Canyon area. The female observed what she believed to be a single red light shining from the truck and pulled to the side of the road believing she was being stopped by law enforcement. The female was contacted by a white male wearing dark clothing and a badge.
The male requested her information and then ordered her out of her vehicle. As the female exited her vehicle, the male grabbed her and threw her to the ground. A fight ensued between the male and the female. The female was able to fight off the male and escaped in her vehicle.
The male was described as a white, stocky build, approximately 40 to 50 years of age, 602 in height, 225 pounds, with dark hair and a bushy mustache. The male may have sustained injuries.
The male suspect’s vehicle was described as a newer full size diesel pickup, white in color, with possibly having aftermarket custom rims.
If you have any information please contact the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office at 530-694-2231.
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The California Highway Patrol and the Alpine County Sheriff's Office are investigating an incident Sunday night near Hope Valley in which a man impersonating a police officer assaulted a woman.

The incident happened at approximately 10 p.m. on Highway 88 in the Woodfords canyon area, between the Nevada state line and Picketts Junction, said CHP Sgt. Chris Davis. A female adult was pulled over by a man driving a white Ford pickup with a flashing red light on the roof and blue headlights.

After the stop, the male suspect, described as a white adult, 40 to 50 years in age, with a bushy mustache and a raspy voice, directed the woman to get out of the vehicle where she was physically assaulted, said Davis. She managed to get away and drove to South Lake Tahoe area to report it.

The Alpine County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigator into this incident. CHP and El Dorado County Sheriff are also investigating.

Davis urges motorists to call 911 if they see anything unusual regarding to an unmarked vehicle displaying lights or sirens. He noted all CHP, Nevada Highway Patrol and El Dorado County Sheriff's Office vehicles are marked.

"Be cautious of unmarked vehicles making traffic stops and immediately report anything suspicious to law enforcement," said Davis.