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Man arrested after video shows woman's interaction with suspected fake cop

The man said he was a federal agent, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said and provided an "Interpol badge."

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colorado — A suspect has been arrested after the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) released video that shows a man they said flashed a fake badge to a woman after motioning for her to pull over.

Michael Nelson, 50, has been arrested and is facing charges of impersonating a peace officer and false imprisonment, JCSO said.

Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

The video, taken from inside the woman's vehicle, shows her interactions with the man, believed to be Nelson.

The incident happened around 8 a.m. Tuesday morning on eastbound C-470 from Interstate 70, according to JCSO.

During the interaction the man said he was a “federal agent” and provided an “Interpol” badge while asking for the victim to provide her identification and registration, according to the sheriff's office.

He began by telling the woman, "You merged outside of a non-through lane," to which the woman replies, "Can I see your ID first?"

He replies, "You got it, you got it" and follows up with, "You need to tell me what is your rush?"

The victim did not think the traffic stop was legitimate and eventually drove away. The man was driving a full-size silver truck. 

JCSO thanked the public for sharing the video and information and said they arrested Nelson based partially on tips from the public. 

They also reminded people that if someone is pulled over and is questioning the stop, they should call 911 and tell the operator what is happening and where they are. The 911 operator will be able to determine whether it is a legitimate traffic stop or not, according to JCSO.

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