Update: Police search for man who disguised self as police officer

Fort Collins police are searching for a suspect who falsely identified himself as a police officer to a victim of a burglary.

The victim heard noises in her house and found an unknown man inside around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday in southwest Fort Collins. The suspect is described as white, 30 to 35 years old, 6-foot, 180 pound with a medium build and short blond hair, according to a news release. The victim ran and locked herself in a room, and the man left.

Soon after, another man entered her house wearing civilian clothing and identified himself as a police officer. This man is described as white, 35 to 40 years old, 5-feet-8 and stocky with black hair and blue eyes. He then went through the motions of taking a police report and left her house. The victim was not injured during either encounter.

Police aren't releasing the exact location of the incident because of the traumatic nature of the incident for the victim, Assistant Chief of Police Cory Christensen said.

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Later that night, the victim contacted Fort Collins police to follow up on the incident. Records indicated that police had not received a call requesting assistance at the time of the incident, and therefore had not dispatched an officer to her residence.

Fort Collins police encourage anyone who is unsure about an officer’s identity to request documentation, such as a badge number and business card. If citizens still have identity concerns, they are encouraged to call 911 for confirmation.

Citizens with any information about this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Jaclyn Shaklee at 970-416-2771 or Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868. Callers can remain anonymous and may possibly be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers can also be reached online at www.stopcriminals.org.

Reporter Ellie Mulder contributed to this report.