By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com
Twice last week, suspects claimed they were undercover cops while committing crimes in Sacramento County, according to authorities.
Both incidents occurred Friday on Walnut Avenue, according to crime summaries provided by the Sheriff's Department.
In the first incident, a 28-year-old man was confronted by a suspect after he parked his vehicle in a parking lot in the 6200 block of Walnut Avenue. The suspect was in plain clothes and driving a Honda Accord, one report states.
The victim told deputies that the suspect, later identified by deputies as 29-year-old Matthew Davis, identified himself as a police officer and flashed a pocket calendar he hoped the victim would think was a badge, according to the report.
Davis allegedly led the suspect to the side of the car and repeated that he was a law enforcement officer and that the victim was under arrest, the report states. However, the victim was able to get away, write down the suspect's license plate number and call authorities from a nearby store.
Deputies contacted Davis at his home and arrested him on suspicion of false imprisonment and impersonating a peace officer, according to the report.
Almost four hours later, an unknown suspect knocked on the door of a home in the 5500 block of Walnut and, after identifying himself as an undercover police officer, forced his way inside the home, another report states.
The suspect went to a back bedroom and took money before leaving the home, again identifying himself as a cop. According to the report, the victim described the man as being 35 to 45 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He had black hair.
Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran said all deputies - including those working undercover - are required to carry their badge as well as their department-issued ID card.
Anyone unsure of a deputy's legitimacy can ask to see both items, Curran said. The ID card has the department's logo as well as the signature of Sheriff John McGinness.
"And if they fail to produce it, they can call 911 and ask for watch supervisor," Curran said.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
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