Fake Cop Commits Armed Robbery On The Freeway

Police say that during the early morning hours of February 11 and 12, 2006, a series of armed robberies occured on Interstate 580 in Richmond, California and Interstate 880 in nearby Oakland. 

Cops believe that 24-year-old Jose Ortiz approached his victims in a dark colored 1999 GMC Yukon and he used a dash mounted red and white strobe light to give the appearance of being a California Highway Patrol officer.

According to cops, Ortiz would then identify himself as a police officer and ordered the victims to provide their driver's license and other forms of identification.  At least once, cops say that Ortiz then produced a silver handgun, pointed it at the victims' head, and robbed motorists of their identification, wallet, and keys.  Ortiz would then flee in the GMC Yukon.

Since then, cops have found and impounded Ortiz's vehicle.  Evidence has been located at the suspect's residence including evidence that he may have obtained the strobe light from a police supply business. 

Police believe Ortiz to be armed and dangerous.  Cops believe that Ortiz impersonated a police officer and committed similar crimes as far back as December 2005.