California Highway Patrol investigators in Alameda and Contra Costa counties named Jose Alberto Ortiz, 24, as the suspect in two robberies which occurred in Richmond on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Oakland on Sunday, Feb. 12. Ortiz is suspected to have posed as a police officer and conducted traffic stops in order to rob his victims.
Victims traveling on freeways in the Richmond and Oakland areas said they observed red or blue lights from a dark colored 1999 GMC Yukon. The vehicle also flashed its high beams, apparently to get the victims to yield to the right side of the road, according to police. Once the suspect contacted the victims, he claimed to be a police officer and requested identification from the victims before taking their wallets and money several moments later, police said. The suspect was not wearing a uniform and did not have any identification, such as a badge or credential, according to the victims. Warrants for Ortiz have been issued from both Alameda and Contra Costa counties charging him with two counts of armed robbery, one count of false imprisonment and two counts of impersonating a peace officer. Bail is set at $500,000. Ortiz is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 10 and about 190 pounds with brown eyes and hair. He has worn a mustache and a goatee during the robberies, police said. CHP is asking for help locating Ortiz, but advise civilians who think they may have seen him to not approach him because he is believed to be armed and dangerous. Call the local law enforcement or 911.
This incident is one of several recent crimes in Northern California where a suspect has impersonated a peace officer. CHP advises drivers to take the following precautions if they are unsure whether the vehicle behind them is a legitimate police vehicle:
* Turn on emergency flashers and acknowledge you see the officer and will yield.
* Continue driving at a reduced speed until you can stop safely in a well lit public place, preferably where others are present.
* Stay in your vehicle and wait for the officer to approach.
* If you believe the person is impersonating a police officer, ask to see his identification or badge. Do not open your window. You should see the officer’s uniform and duty belt and hear a police radio.
* If you’re still unsure and the officer requests to see your license, registration and proof of insurance, roll down your window an inch and supply the officer with the requested information.
* If you are suspicious, call 911 to alert the authorities.
