Phony officer sought in Camden sex assault

Authorities are searching for a man who impersonated a police officer and sexually assaulted a woman in Camden early Friday.

The man wore a shield and patch that was labeled "police," said Jason Laughlin, spokesman for Camden County Prosecutor Warren W. Faulk. He also wore a dark-colored baseball cap labeled "police."

The man had a holster with what appeared be a gun and a yellow walkie-talkie on his belt, Laughlin said. He held a black flashlight and spoke with a stern voice.

The woman, who told police she was a prostitute, said she was in a vehicle with a customer about 5:45 a.m. in the 200 block of Sycamore Street when the man walked up and announced that he was a police officer, Laughlin said.

The man asked the customer for identification, then told him to leave, Laughlin said. He then assaulted the woman in a nearby lot.

The police impersonator was described as black with a medium complexion, 35 to 40 years old, about 5-foot-10, weighing 180 pounds, bald, with large eyes.

Police are also searching for a tan or red older-model car with a bicycle hanging out the back that may lead to the customer.

Anyone with information can contact the Camden Police Department at 856-757-7420. Information may also be e-mailed to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.