Ottawa man accused of impersonating police officer, conducting unlawful traffic stop

By Mike Vlasveld

Posted Nov 11, 2021 09:45:00 PM.

A 54-year-old Ottawa man is facing charges after police say a resident was pulled over on a local road by someone pretending to be an Ottawa police officer.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) launched an investigation on October 24, after a complaint about a man driving a white Ford Taurus, closely resembling an unmarked police vehicle, who stopped a motorist and identified himself as a peace officer.

During this unlawful traffic stop, police say the suspect activated aftermarket lights and sirens with a remote control switch within the vehicle to resemble law enforcement.

A search warrant was executed on the suspect's vehicle on Thursday, November 11, and investigators found several law enforcement shoulder flashes as well as lights and sirens.

Farhan Mashari Farhan was arrested and faces charges, including impersonating a peace officer.

Police are asking anyone who believes they may have had an encounter with the suspect to call the OPS at 613-236-1222 ext. 8348.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or at crimestoppers.ca or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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