A disqualified driver has been charged with impersonating a police officer after blue and red lights were used to pull over a motorist.
Thomas Cox, age 30, has also been charged with driving while disqualified and driving without insurance after an incident on Fishponds Road, yesterday (Sunday, December 12).
In a statement released today, Police said Cox, of Quantock Close in Warmley, has been released on unconditional bail ahead of a hearing before Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday, January 11.
READ MORE: Avon and Somerset Police introduce new ‘officer verification process’
Avon and Somerset Police said a man was spotted using blue and red lights to try and pull over a motorist.
The force also issued a reminder that a new "officer verification process" can be used by members of the public to verify that the person stopping them is actually a police officer on lawful business.
Officers will provide their name and collar number if asked, and they will also call the police control room on their police radio for the operator to verify the officer's identity and location for the member of the public to hear. For more details, click here.
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In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "A man will appear in court in the new year after being charged with impersonating a police officer.
"Thomas Cox, 20, is alleged to have driven along Fishponds Road, in Bristol, on Sunday 12 December and tried to encourage a male motorist to pull over by using blue and red flashing lights. Emergency services in the UK do not use forward-facing red lights.
"Cox, of Quantock Close in Warmley, has been charged with impersonating a police officer, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
"He has been released on unconditional bail and is due before Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday 11 January.
"In October, Avon and Somerset Police published details of a new officer verification process to help reassure people that they can check whether someone identifying as an officer is genuinely who they say they are."
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