Blue light bandit victim speaks out

HARNETT COUNTY, N .C. (WTVD) -- Authorities in Harnett County are searching for a robbery suspect that reportedly pretended to be an officer.

On Saturday, authorities said they received a call about a man impersonating a law enforcement officer just after midnight near the intersection of U.S. Highway 401 and Rawls Church Road.

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The victim, Chris Lassiter, told officials that he was driving down U.S. Highway 401 southbound when he saw a car pull up behind them.

The car had a blue and red flashing light on the interior near the rear view mirror and initiated what Lassiter thought was a traffic stop, even though he heard no siren.

Lassiter, a senior at Campbell Univeristy, said he pulled over and the suspect got out of the car with a flashlight and a semi-automatic handgun, and then approached his vehicle.

The suspect then demanded money and fled the scene in what appeared to be a passenger-type sedan.

"It's very frightening having a gun pointed in your face, and being told to hand over money," said Lassiter.

The suspect was described as a white man with dark hair, standing about 6' 2" tall. He was wearing a long-sleeve grey shirt with an unknown insignia on the left chest area and he had a "deep country accent."

No arrest has been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harnett County Sheriff's Office at (910) 893-9111.

Earlier this year, authorities in Johnston County and Fayetteville investigated similar style robberies, but no arrests were made.

Authorities say if you are being pulled over and have concerns it might not be a real law enforcement office, immediately slow down, turn on your emergency flashers, and call 911.

Tell the dispatcher your exact location and a description of your car and the vehicle attempting to stop you. Proceed to a well-lit area and following the dispatcher's instructions.

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