A Hoover man is behind bars, accused of impersonating a police officer when he tried to pull over a female motorist.

Hoover police on Thursday announced the arrest of James Andrew Gray. He is 27.

Officer about 10 p.m. Wednesday received a report of someone in a black SUV attempting to pull over motorists on Greystone Way near Castlehill Road. They responded to the area but were unable to locate a vehicle matching that description, said Lt. Keith Czeskleba.

Then, about 12:19 a.m. Thursday, they received another call, this time from an actual victim who told police someone in a black SUV pulled in behind her vehicle and activated flashing red and blue lights on Greystone Way.

The SUV then pulled in front of her vehicle, forcing her to stop. The woman told authorities a man got out of the vehicle and produced some type of badge. The victim was not certain that this was an actual police officer, so she drove away and called 911.

Responding officers located a black GMC Yukon with a male matching the description on Greystone Way near Linkside Drive. A red and blue dash light, three firearms, a D.E.A. hat, and three fake badges were located inside the vehicle.

The suspect – later identified as Gray – was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hoover City Jail. Investigators on Thursday charged with impersonating a police officer. His bond is set at $5,000.

“We’re not sure at this point what the suspects intentions were but it’s certainly cause for concern. He stated he was pulling over speeders because kids play in the neighborhood,’’ said Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector. “Obviously, we don’t believe that because there are no kids playing outside at midnight.”

“One thing we can emphasize, however, is that our victim in this case did exactly as she should have,’’ Rector said. “If you feel like you’re being pulled over by someone who may be impersonating a police officer, by all means, call 911 and drive immediately to a safe, public place that is well-lighted.”

“Mr. Gray also lives in this same neighborhood and now he is clearly on our radar,’’ he said. “All of our officers are aware of him now and will not tolerate his criminal behavior.”

If anyone has information about this case or feels they may have been stopped by Gray, they are asked to call Hoover police Sgt. Reggie Parker at 205-739-7448.