De Anza College police say man posing as officer tried to lure student into car

CUPERTINO Calif. (KGO) -- Police in the South Bay are searching for a man who pretended to be an officer so he could lure a student into a car.

Police released a sketch of the man they are searching for.

The female student was walking to her car in parking lot A around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, when a man approached her and told her he was an undercover Foothill-De Anza police officer.

"He said that they shouldn't be walking alone and they should get into their car, otherwise they'd issue them a citation," said Foothill-De Anza Community College police Chief.

The woman told police the man was talking aggressively and that there were two other people in the car, a black BMW with tinted windows. When another car drove between them, she was able to get away.

Based on her description, police released a sketch. The driver is described as thin, possibly Middle Eastern, with a slight accent. His hair is shaved on the sides and longer and wavy on top.

Students are on alert.

"I was upset that it happened, but not totally shocked. I don't take night classes," said Umika Kuamer, a student at De Anza College.

"To think someone would go as far to impersonate someone else, especially a police officer, it's really concerning. It makes you question who can you trust at this point," said Victoria Nguyen of De Anza college.

The police chief says a real police officer will prove they're legitimate.

"They should show you a badge and an ID card and if you have any doubts about the individual, call 911 on your cellphone," Levine said.

Students can also call police for a nighttime safety escort. Investigators are following up on leads and ask anyone with information on the officer impersonator to call the Foothill-De Anza police.