Suspected 'blue-light bandit' operating in Newton Grove

Sampson County authorities said Wednesday that they suspect a "blue-light bandit" is preying on drivers near Newton Grove.

Two women reported that a vehicle with a windshield-mounted strobe light tried to pull them over Monday night along Lassiter Road, authorities said. Neither woman stopped because they suspected the vehicle wasn't a law enforcement patrol car, and when they pulled into nearby driveways, the suspicious vehicle didn't stop.

The suspicious vehicle is described as a dark-colored, four-door sedan, possibly a Lincoln LS, with strobe lights in the upper windshield, authorities said.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.

Authorities said that people can always call 911 if they are being pulled over by a car with flashing lights to check whether a deputy or police officer is involved in the traffic stop. Anyone who is unsure if a vehicle is a legitimate law enforcement vehicle should turn on his or her hazard lights, slow down below the speed limit and proceed to a well-lit and populated area before stopping, authorities said.