MATTHEWS, NC — Police have charged a man accused of impersonating an officer at a convenience store late last week.
Investigators say 35-year-old Patrick Heib approached a woman on Thursday, August 9th inside a Kangaroo station on E. John Street and identified himself as a “police investigator.”
The woman told police Heib was wearing a dark shirt, dark tactical pants and had a holstered pistol attached to his waistband. The woman says Heib had no visible badge or identification, and refused to provide any when asked.
Heib was arrested and charged just after 2pm Thursday.
Matthews Police have offered the following tips for anyone who may question an officer’s authenticity:
- If you are ever in doubt that you are speaking to a real police officer, please ask them to produce proper identification.
- If you are getting pulled over while driving your car by what you think may not be a real police officer, immediately put on your four-way flashers (Hazard Lights), slow your speed, call 911 and give your location to the dispatcher.
- Please keep in mind that each agency has several different styles of uniforms, cars, markings and light equipment which may even include a totally unmarked car.
Matthews PD says, “Law enforcement agencies are always concerned for public safety when someone is misrepresenting themselves. By impersonating an officer, someone could also put themselves at risk if they encounter a dangerous criminal.”
