That rapist posing as a law enforcement officer may not be the only one preying on women in Pleasanton. The fake cop pulled the victim over on Aug. 5th, but police say she was so traumatized she didn't report it until recently. This is actually the second sexual assault there this month, which is highly unusual for the town of Pleasanton.
"It's pretty shocking. I've lived here a long time and haven't heard of any violent crime here," said Pleasanton resident Mark Docto.
News of a rapist posing as a police officer has Pleasanton residents on edge. Police say the victim was driving home around 3 a.m. when a dark-colored sedan flashed a light and let out a quick chirp, similar to the ones used by police squad cars. Police say the victim pulled over on Valley Avenue, south of Bernal Avenue, where the suspect displayed a fake police badge.
"He ordered her to step out of the car and she complied. She walked back to his car at which point he handcuffed her and put her in the back seat of his car," said Pleasanton Police Sgt. Maria Munayer.
Police say he drove her to a secluded road, not far away, and sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as a white male, between 20 and 30 years old with a muscular build. He's between 5'10" to 6'0", 185 pounds, and he wore a dark button-down shirt and a police style hat.
"It's pretty scary. I don't know how I would react in a situation like that," said former Pleasanton resident Christine Schlies.
Things like badges, uniforms and handcuffs can be bought online, but official police lights have a steady red light in the blinking sequence.
"But always call 911.They can confirm if a stop is legitimate or to send out officers to investigate," said Munayer.
This is the second sexual assault in Pleasanton this month. On Aug. 19th, a woman was attacked and robbed at Kottinger Village Park. Police released a sketch of the suspect and they believe he left a black L.A. Dodgers baseball cap behind. Detectives are unsure if the two assaults are related.
The police impersonator is described as wearing a traditional police hat, but Pleasanton police says it rare that you'll see them wearing those hats out on the streets.
