Raleigh police arrested a man last week for accusations he impersonated a police officer, conducted a traffic stop on a victim.
Meredith Cromartie, 33, of Raleigh, turned himself in on Monday at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He was served with outstanding charges from Wake County.
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Police received a report about the incident around 7:22 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.
According to Raleigh police, Cromartie is accused of continuing to contact the victim after the traffic stop and was reportedly seen driving near the victim’s home.
As police investigated, officers found Cromartie also forced the victim into “unwanted sexual contact” on Wednesday, March 18, along Capital Boulevard near Old Wake Forest Road.
He is charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer, extortion, sexual battery and second-degree kidnapping.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Raleigh police at 919-996-3335. Authorities are also receiving tips through Raleigh CrimeStoppers.
The investigation is ongoing.
Cromartie’s criminal history
It’s not the first time Cromartie has been accused of impersonating a police officer. According to court documents, this is Cromartie's sixth arrest in the last 10 years for impersonating a police officer.
In January 2018, WRAL News reported on Cromartie facing a charge of impersonating a police officer.
In July 2013, police arrested Cromartie and charged him with two counts of indecent liberties with a child.
When it comes to impersonating law enforcement, it's a crime Wake County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant David Bradford says they take very seriously.
"We are targeting them. If we get a call and we find them, they will be apprehended, and we will take them to jail," Bradford said.
The Wake County Sheriff's Office said there are a few signs someone can look for if they think an officer is an impersonator, and if you think they are, don't hesitate to call 911.
"If it's somebody in complete plain clothes, no identifier. That is a red flag," Bradford said. "I'm not saying that it doesn't happen, but it is cause for concern for someone who's being pulled over."
The lieutenant also suggested looking at what car the officer is driving, what kind of lights are flashing, and asking if the car looks like a law enforcement vehicle you've seen before.