Indiana State Police warn motorists of bogus troopers on I-80

Indiana State Police officials are warning motorists to be cautious after a woman was stopped and robbed on the Borman Expressway near Hammond today by two men who were misrepresenting themselves as troopers. The incident happened between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. as the 28-year-old woman was westbound on I-80 near Kennedy Avenue when a black car described by officials as a "police-type vehicle" -- possibly a Ford Crown Victoria -- activated emergency lights and pulled her over, police said. The woman told police that the car had a red and blue light mounted in the front window of the car. Both men wore black clothing and were clean-shaven. The woman said the men flashed badges and identified themselves as state police. After pulling her over they told the woman that her car came up suspicious and they indicated that they wanted to search the vehicle, police said. They told the woman to get out of the car and took money and other items from her. When she tried to use her cell phone, they took it from her and threw it, police said. While the woman was outside of the car, she noticed that the black vehicle had a rusty front passenger tire and she then noticed that the windows were not tinted. The men left in their vehicle, police said. Anyone who may have seen this “traffic stop” or the unmarked vehicle is asked to call the Indiana State Police Lowell District at 219-696-6242. Officials said that when Indiana State Police make a traffic stop in Indiana an officer must be either in uniform or in a marked vehicle. If an unmarked car does try to stop you and you do not feel safe, police suggest you put your hazard lights on to show that you recognize that you are being stopped and drive to a well-lit area where other people are present. Police also recommend calling 911 or local police and tell them you’re being stopped by an unmarked unit and driver, police said. They ask for people to be ready to give them location, description of vehicle, appearance and anything else observed. If you have stopped and realized the driver is not in uniform keep the door locked, roll the window down only enough so he can hear you, officials said. Ask to see a badge and identification and tell them that you called 911 and are waiting for a marked police car. chicagobreaking@tribune.com Featured Articles Pregame blitz for Super Bowl ads Jim Belushi champions gout treatment Younger onset Alzheimer's patients stay active MORE: Groupon Super Bowl commercial gains the wrong kind of attention Website gives Illinois customers power to compare electricity rates Doctors rethinking prescribing Abbott's Niaspan Super Bowl ad winners and losers Belvidere plant a linchpin in auto industry recovery Chicago's 2012 summer festival schedule Related Articles Two Chicago police officers injured in Loop crash