Texas Department of Public Safety investigators are urging motorists to come forward after a string of traffic stops by an alleged police impersonator along U.S. 190 north of Houston. Authorities say the person reportedly pulled over drivers in Walker, San Jacinto and Polk counties while wearing civilian clothing and driving an unmarked black 2022 Jeep Gladiator. DPS has not released the suspect’s identity, and no arrests had been announced as of Monday. Investigators say anyone who believes they were stopped should report the encounter to law enforcement.
According to FOX 26 Houston, the stops happened along U.S. 190 and DPS is asking potential victims to contact the Conroe DPS Criminal Investigations Division at (346) 260-9824 or email [email protected] with tips. The outlet reports the vehicle was described as an unmarked black 2022 Jeep Gladiator and that the person conducting the stops was in civilian clothes. Investigators are asking for any dash-cam or phone video that might show the vehicle or the encounter. No further details about the suspect's tactics or timeline were released.
Impersonating a public servant is a crime under Texas law and can be charged as a felony when the impersonation is intended to induce someone to submit to a pretended official authority. The statute setting out the offense is found in the Texas Penal Code.
Legal consequences
Local reporting has repeatedly shown how dangerous impersonators can be when they target motorists. The Houston Chronicle has documented past cases in which suspects who posed as officers were later connected to other crimes, and those investigations generated large numbers of tips. That history helps explain why DPS is canvassing the public so aggressively for victims and footage in the current probe. Anyone with video, photos or a detailed recollection of a stop along U.S. 190 is being asked to contact investigators.
DPS is urging anyone who was stopped to preserve any footage and note details like license plate numbers, time and location, vehicle description and the manner of the contact. Per FOX 26 Houston, tips can be phoned in to the Conroe DPS Criminal Investigations Division at (346) 260-9824 or emailed to [email protected]. Investigators say even small details such as an aftermarket light bar, a distinctive bumper sticker or a single dash-cam frame can help narrow the search. Calls and emails will be routed to investigators handling the probe.
Under Texas law, impersonating a public servant is typically a third-degree felony, and penalties depend on the specifics of the conduct and intent. Prosecutors could add related charges if the impersonator used the fake-authority stop to commit theft, assault or other crimes, which can raise potential sentences. Victims who were threatened, robbed or otherwise harmed during a bogus stop are urged to make that clear to investigators because additional allegations can change charging decisions. For exact statutory language and penalties, see the Texas Penal Code and consult local prosecutors.
