Listen Live
Listen Live

PG Mounties arrest 29-year-old man who was pretending to be the police

Police in Prince George got more than they bargained for after arresting a 29-year-old man who was pretending to be an officer Friday evening (19th).

A caller noticed a Chevy Tahoe at 5th and Tabor with blue and red flashing lights activated.

Once the caller continued on to North Nechako Road he was later followed by the vehicle until they reached the end of the road.

The caller told police he was at a bonfire when he was confronted by a man identifying himself as “Officer Maguire”.

A witness then asked the man for his badge number and eventually gave it out but became belligerent and started swearing.

Cst. Jennifer Cooper spoke with MyPGNow.com who reminded the public of what they should do if they ever come across this situation.

“If you are in doubt, one of the easiest things to do when confirming the person in front is a police officer would be to call the non-emergency line or 9-1-1 and say you are speaking with someone identifying themselves as a police officer. If they are a member of our detachment our dispatchers will be able to get in touch with them very quickly.”

“If dispatch doesn’t know that they are there they probably aren’t (one of our officers) and we would be responding to that very quickly. Don’t ignore it if you see red and blue flashing lights indicating you should pull over but if you do have a gut feeling something isn’t quite right then you should for sure check it out.”

She added after a fatal incident that occurred in Nova Scotia killing 22 people last year has led to more heightened awareness from both police and the public.

“With the events that happened last year in the Atlantic provinces with someone impersonating a police officer to a very horrific end, I think the police and the public are more aware that this is a situation that can happen.”

Patrick Maguire was later arrested by officers at a nearby trailer park.

After attending a bail hearing, he was given a Notice of Order to remove the illegal modifications to his vehicle and have it inspected before driving it again.

In addition, Maguire is charged with two counts of impersonating a police officer and one count of failing to comply with a probation order.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

PHOTOS: Day one of the Special Olympics BC Summer Games

Day one of the Special Olympics BC Summer Games is in the books.  Nearly 900 athletes braved a rainy day in Prince George as they took part in ten sports today (Friday), with the action continuing tomorrow. 

Special Olympics Athlete Ambassador continuing to compete in new sports

Special Olympics means trying new things for local athlete Chase Caron.  Caron is competing in basketball this weekend, the first time she's competed in the sport for Special Olympics. 

Carrier Sekani Family Services announce new low-barrier housing complex

Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new low-barrier housing complex.

Special Olympics Prince George athletes enjoying new sport bocce

Nearly a year after making their debut in the sport, Prince George's Special Olympic athletes are competing in bocce in this year's Special Olympics BC Summer Games.  "We started up last year, because we knew we were going to be hosting provincial games here, and we wanted to make sure we had representation from our City," said Special Olympics Prince George Local Coordinator Peter Goudal. 

Update: Highway 16 re-open following collision between PG and Vanderhoof

Highway 16 roughly 19 kilometres east of Vanderhoof is closed.
- Advertisement -