Police Department News Release

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 08/007/0122/LHC/(4)
January 7, 2008

Police Impersonator Arrested After Stopping Off-duty

Fairfax County Police Officer

Police arrested Steven Rivas, 19, of 7801 Ridgewood Drive in Annandale around 1 a.m. Saturday, January 5 after he pulled over an off-duty Fairfax County Police officer on her way home from work. Rivas was parked in a lot next to Woodburn Elementary School in a 2004 gold Ford Explorer when he pulled onto Gallows Road and followed the officer. He activated blue lights, signaling for the officer to stop on the northbound ramp to I-495. After Rivas allegedly identified himself as an undercover police officer, the authentic officer identified herself and asked to see his badge and credentials. Rivas returned to his car and pulled away, with blue and white lights still activated.

The real officer got the license plate number and provided it to the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications Center. Officers then responded to the Annandale home where Rivas was subsequently arrested. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with impersonating a police officer, reckless driving, use of unauthorized lights and abduction.

While incidents of police impersonation are not commonplace, citizens should always use care when stopped by police. In situations where drivers are truly concerned that the approaching vehicle may not be a valid police officer, take the following steps:

Activate your vehicle’s emergency flashers
Drive carefully and immediately to the nearest well-lit, populated area for the driver’s, as well as the officer’s, safety
Ask for the officer’s official identification, if questionable
Dial 9-1-1 if necessary. Give your precise location and ask the call taker to verify the traffic stop.

Steven Rivas Police Impersonator Car