BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
A police impersonation and assault case has been dropped by Virginia State Police Friday.
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On March 7, authorities said a 20-year-old Roanoke woman alleged she was assaulted by a police officer on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County. However, the alleged incident proved to be false as the woman admitted to lying about the account. According to police, she said she made up this story because she was anxious.
Police said the incident was reported to have happened at 10:03 p.m. She claimed she was traveling south on I-81 and was stopped by a sedan with flashing red and blue lights somewhere between Buchanan and Roanoke. She told police the man told her to exit her vehicle and she claimed she did and was pulled to the ground and hit on the head.
The woman told police she fought the man back before running back to her vehicle and driving away.
According to authorities, no report of the attack was made until a family member contacted Roanoke City 911 around 11:38 p.m. that night. The call was transferred to Virginia State Police, leading multiple troopers dispatched to the area to conduct an extensive search, but nothing of the alleged attack was found.
The woman’s statements about the incident were inconsistent with previous statements posted on social media detailing the same incident. Police said they continued to find inconsistencies with the story throughout the course of the investigation.
Authorities said no charges will be placed.
ORIGINAL STORY
Botetourt County residents, be cautious when approached by an unmarked police car.
The Virginia State Police is currently investigating an incident where someone allegedly stopped a woman while impersonating a police officer, according to the Botetourt County Sheriffs Office.
The woman reported that she was stopped at the 159-mile marker on Interstate 81, deputies said.
Authorities said that if you are approached by an unmarked car you should:
- Pullover in a well-lit area or a location where there’s a lot of people around
- Pay attention to what the officers are asking and look for a uniform or proper credentials.
- Call 911 to confirm the unmarked vehicle is a legitimate law enforcement vehicle
- Lock your car door
- Stay in your vehicle to meet the officer
Deputies said they are working with the Virginia State Police to find more information on the incident.
Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the event is asked to call the Virginia State Police at 1-800-542-5959
