Several suspects pretending to be from sheriff’s department

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents Tuesday after learning of two incidents where impostors pose as sheriff’s deputies to commit crimes.

The department said the suspects have worn hooded sweatshirts with the word “sheriff” on the front, and used commands identifying themselves as “Sheriff’s Department” in the incidents.

The first incident happened last Thursday night on Martha Drive. A 24-year-old man arrived home and was confronted by two armed suspects yelling at them, “Sheriff’s Department, get on the ground.”

The victim was robbed of several items but not injured.

The second incident happened Monday night just after 10:00 p.m. in the 200 block of Sieville Avenue when Columbia Police responded to a suspicious person call.

Witnesses said they saw a white Chevy Malibu with three black men inside. The men got out of the car and were wearing all dark colored hooded sweatshirts with “Sheriff” on them, and face coverings.

There were no victims in that incident.

One suspect is described as a dark-skinned black man in his mid-20s, approximately 6’2″, 230 lbs, armed with a long gun. The other suspect is described as a light-skinned black man about 5’7″ and 180 lbs, wearing a blue bandana over his face and a dark hoodie. That suspect was carrying a handgun during the incidents.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 875-TIPS.