A man impersonating police in Manchester was arrested and charged, police said today.

On Sunday, October 21, a Manchester Township resident contacted the police to report that she had been followed from the area of her residence by a vehicle which she thought may have been an unmarked police vehicle.

Although she believed that the vehicle may have been an unmarked police car, she considered the vehicle suspicious because it did not exactly resemble a traditional police vehicle. While reporting the incident, the victim stated that while being followed, the vehicle flashed red and blue lights in what she believed to be an attempt to pull her over. The concerned resident stated that although the vehicle was no longer behind her that she was able to take a picture of it while she was stopped at a traffic light. Based on the statement of the resident and the photograph that was taken, it was quickly determined that this vehicle did not belong to the Manchester Township Police Department. As a result, an investigation into this incident was launched by members of the Department’s Investigations Bureau.

“Armed with a good vehicle description, a good photograph, and an overarching concern for public safety, the information was posted and shared by our Department with the public via social media,” police said. “Within one day of the social media posting, the agency received several tips from concerned citizens. In following up those tips, a vehicle matching the photograph and description of the suspect vehicle was located in the Pine Acres Manor section of the Township. In conducting a follow-up investigation, detectives were able to develop additional information that placed the vehicle, a 2005, gray, Ford Taurus and its registered owner, 51-year-old, Salvatore C Giglio, in the area of the initial incident.”

On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, members of the Investigations Bureau observed Giglio’s vehicle at his residence and made contact with him. Despite the fact that the vehicle’s appearance had been altered since the photograph had been taken, specifically, the front grill lights and metal window shield had been removed, detectives were able to positively identify that Giglio’s vehicle had been involved in the incident from October 21st.

As a result of the investigation, Salvatore C. Giglio was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer, possession of a personal self-defense chemical agent (OC spray) in excess of the legal limit, destruction of evidence, and various motor vehicle offenses. The vehicle involved in the incident was seized as evidence of the crime. Anyone having experienced a similar incident is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Christopher Hemhauser at 732-657-2009 ext. 4207.

“As always, we would like to thank our residents for their assistance in helping us identify the suspect vehicle. Additionally, residents are reminded that tips can be reported to the Department anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website at www.manchesterpolicenj.com.”

Lastly, the Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind residents that unmarked police cars have the same authorization to stop a vehicle as a fully marked patrol car so, to that end, you must pull over when being signaled to do so. However, should you have any doubts as to the validity of an unmarked car, you should immediately contact the police department in the jurisdiction where you are being stopped. Should you be signed to stop by an unmarked police car, we would like to offer the following safety tips for those concerned about the validity of the vehicle that is pulling them over:

*If you are being pulled over by an unmarked or questionable police vehicle, and you are not sure of its authenticity, you can call the local police department and ask them to verify the matter.
*If you are being pulled over by an unmarked car in a dark or desolate area, you should gesture politely with your hand and proceed carefully to a safe, well-lit area.
*If you are approached by a non-uniformed officer from an unmarked car, keep your hands where they can be seen and politely ask the officer for I.D. other than a badge or request that a supervisor or a uniformed officer be called to the location.
*If you have someone with you that can take a photograph of the vehicle or license plate, or you can do it safely, it can be helpful.
*Although cases involving police impersonators are generally rare, you should always be diligent, attentive and aware of your surroundings when being signed to stop by an unmarked vehicle.