OPP officials allege: The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Chatham Detachment, are investigating a report of a robbery involving individuals impersonating police officers in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
On December 25, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., members of the OPP were dispatched to the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near the 65-KM marker for a report of robbery.
It was reported that the complainant was stopped by two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield.
The complainant’s vehicle was approached by two suspects while another remained in one of the suspect vehicles.
The complainant was directed to exit the vehicle, an interaction between the parties occurred and the suspects fled the scene in both the suspect vehicles along with the complainant’s vehicle.
The complainant was transported to a local hospital by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with minor injuries.
The suspects were described as:
Suspect 1:
· Black male in his 30’s
· 6′ 0″ tall
· Wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and a black ballistic styled vest
· Handgun in a holster
Suspect 2:
· Brown male in his 20’s
· 5’8″ tall
· Wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and a black ballistic styled vest
No description of the third suspect was provided.
The involved suspect vehicles were described as a black sedan with red/blue flashing lights in the windshield and a black SUV. No police markings were on either vehicle.
The investigation is ongoing and there is not believed to be a threat to public safety as investigators believe this was an isolated incident.
The OPP wish to remind the public that citizens may ask a police officer to provide the name of their service, detachment, badge number, rank officer’s badge and warrant card.
The officer should be able to provide this information without delay.
If anyone witnessed the interaction, or has information, such as dashcam footage, that could assist with the investigation or help the identity of the persons involved, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at https://stthomascrimestoppers.ca/ where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
