Police seek more input from public, Provide advice on what to do if you have a suspicious encounter during a traffic stop
UPDATE (as of 7 a.m. on 2/9/12): Fake Eugene cop pleads guilty to impersonation
Eugene police say they’ve received 20-30 leads since they arrested Daniel Scott Alloway on Thursday, January 26, on charges of Criminal Impersonation of a police officer. Details in the fake-cop investigation are disconcerting, say police, who are still asking members of the public to share their stories about and interactions with “Officer Dan Baker.”
“We’re still trying to get a grasp on how extensive his actions were,” said Sergeant Scott McKee of the EPD’s Special Investigations Unit. “It’s conceivable that he could have gone outside the Eugene area as well.”
Calls are coming in that reference a variety of interactions with the fake cop, including traffic stops (see below to learn how to protect yourself in the event of a “suspicious” traffic stop).
One tip, the details of which are outside the criminal statute of limitations, involves former Springfield resident Brandy Hood, who worked as a dancer in a local adults-only entertainment club. She reported an incident that took place back in 2007 (when she was in her 20s) in which she felt compelled to provide free favors due to Alloway’s portrayal of himself as an officer. KVAL reports that Alloway threatened to “make sure that I get one of my buddies to pull you over on the way home, bust your tail light,” if he didn’t get a free dance. Hood also reported that Alloway conducted traffic stops in the club’s parking lot.
Alloway has also been charged with Coercion and Menacing related to two incidents with an 18-year-old Whiteaker neighborhood female, who claims he responded to her residence during a domestic dispute and acted as a police officer. Alloway lived in the same neighborhood at 1053 W. 4th Ave.
Sgt. McKee said that the two initially met at Hosea Youth Services, where the young lady said she was having problems with her boyfriend. “Officer Dan Baker” gave the young lady his number and said she should call him the next time there was trouble.
When the young lady called Alloway about a domestic dispute, he showed up and represented himself as “Officer Dan Baker” of the Eugene Police Department, while displaying a police badge and firearm. Alloway is alleged to have displayed his firearm in a threatening manner while ordering the male half of the dispute to leave the premises.
In another development, detectives conducted a search of Alloway’s vehicle, which had specially-mounted emergency lights on the front windshield, and found a large box of stuffed teddy bears. Investigators believe Alloway was giving the toys away to children while he was representing himself as “Officer Dan Baker.”
“[Alloway] is a very strange guy,” said Sgt. McKee. “And it’s equally concerning that he had those teddy bears.”
It is unknown at this time if Alloway currently has a wife or significant other. McKee indicated that there’s a “young boy in his 20s who may be his stepson [from a prior marriage].”
Sgt. McKee said that, prior to the arrest, Alloway was “authorized” to participate in “police ride-alongs” and that Alloway did participate. In order to join a police ride along, the EPD runs a criminal check.
“There was no prior criminal history to raise our eyebrows about Dan Alloway,” said Sgt. McKee, who also commented about Alloway’s long service in the military. “He may have seen himself as a sort of ‘helper’ of the police.”
McKee pointed out that, as of yesterday (Feb. 1), Alloway was supposed to be deployed to Thailand with his National Guard unit.
Detectives are interested in talking to the parents of any children who received teddy bears or any such gifts from him, or anyone else who may have had contact with Alloway when he was posing as “Officer Dan Baker.” The tip line number is 541.682.8888.
Sgt. Scott McKee Offers Tips on How Members of the Public Can Manage a “Suspicious” Traffic Stop
Although there is really no way to tell if the flashing lights on a “police vehicle” belong to a real officer, there are ways you can take precautions in the event of a “suspicious” traffic stop.
Continue to drive (within a reasonable distance), maintaining a slow and steady speed, and yield when you are in an area that feels safe and/or one that is more populated. If you want, in the meantime, you can wave your arm outside the window to show the officer that you acknowledge the pull-over. You can also put on your hazard lights.
As another option, you can call 9-11, and explain your exact location and that you’re being pulled over. They will be able to tell you right away if it’s a legitimate stop.
Ask to see the officer’s credentials and make sure they match the uniform.
Ask the officer to call his partner or a fellow colleague on the police radio – in front of you – to verify that he or she is a legitimate authority.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
If you’re alone, how are you going to call 911? It’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving.
I get a kick out of this part:
“McKee indicated that there’s a young boy in his 20s who may be his stepson ”
A young boy in his 20′s???? LOL!!! What the F@#$ does that even mean?? you’re an adult when you’re 18…. If he’s in his 20′s he’s a MAN!! My parents were 20 when they started having babies… lol
The guy is an idiot for impersonating an officer but don’t un-necessarily color the facts it just makes you look just as bad.
Yes, this was a DIRECT QUOTE from the police officer (hence the quotation marks):
McKee indicated that there’s a “young boy in his 20s who may be his stepson [from a prior marriage].”