By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Authorities on the lookout
Man impersonating officer at college campus
Placeholder Image

The Dawson County Sheriff's Office is asking people to be on the lookout for a man impersonating an officer on a local college campus.

According to the sheriff's office, at approximately 6 p.m. Monday, an off-duty Dawson County deputy was approached by a student who claimed that a man wearing a police-like uniform searched him and issued him a citation.

"A student was approached in the parking lot of Lanier Tech by a white male, believed to be in his 20s, wearing a polo shirt with a badge printed on it and BDU-style khaki pants," said Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Tony Wooten. "The victim believed the man's shirt stated he was from another county, possibly Lumpkin County."

According to Wooten, the man, who is believed to be approximately 5'10" and described with "a very large nose," subjected the man to a "pat down," removed tobacco products from his back pack following a search and took the student to his car to issue a citation.

"The suspect took the student to his car, a white, unmarked Ford Crown Victoria, which was equipped with a computer and printer," Wooten said. "The suspect then printed out a false citation for tobacco on campus and told the student he was required to pay a $25 fine."

Wooten said that the suspect claimed the citation would then be sent to the "Dawsonville Police Department." Once the student paid the fine, the suspect left the scene.

Lanier Technical College could not be reached for comment.

The department is currently investigating the matter further.

If you have any information regarding this event, contact the Dawson County Sheriff's Office at (706) 344-3636 or corresponding law enforcement agency.