A 51-year-old New Jersey man was charged with impersonating a police officer after allegedly following a motorist and flashing lights in what the woman thought was an attempt to pull her over.

Manchester police seized a vehicle belonging to township resident Salvatore C. Giglio when they arrested him at his home Tuesday, Capt. Todd Malland said in a statement.

The woman who was followed Sunday afternoon around 5:20 p.m. took a photo of the suspicious vehicle while stopped at a red light because she thought it didn't resemble a traditional police car, Malland said.

Officials determined the vehicle didn't belong to Manchester police and posted the photo on social media. After getting a slew of tips, police found the car in the Pine Acres Manor section of town.

An investigation then turned up information indicating Giglio was in the area where the woman was followed on Sunday, police said.

When police arrived at Giglio's house on Tuesday he had already altered the 2005 gray Ford Taurus by removing the front grill lights and metal window shield, officials said.

Giglio was also charged with possession of a personal self-defense chemical agent in excess of the legal limit, destruction of evidence and various motor vehicle offenses including improper use of emergency lights. He is due in court Nov. 7 to answer the charges, according to the state's municipal court database.

Anyone who believes they also might have been followed is asked to call Detective Sgt. Christopher Hemhauser at 732-657-2009 extension 4207.

Manchester police also offered tips for drivers concerned someone impersonating an office might be attempting to stop them.

If you are being pulled over by an unmarked or questionable police vehicle and you're unsure of its authenticity, call the police department and ask them to verify that the stop is legitimate

If you are being pulled over by an unmarked car in a desolate area, gesture politely with your hand and proceed to a safe, well-lit area.

If you are approached by a plainclothes officer in an unmarked car, keep your hands where they can be seen and politely ask the officer for identification other than a badge or request that a supervisor or a uniformed officer be called

Photograph of the vehicle or license plate of the vehicle if it can be done safely.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.