Media

Man Posing As Metro Gang Unit Officer Targeting Businesses For Cash

Release Date: March 22, 2005

Officers with the Metro Gang Unit are urging business owners to watch for a man posing as a member of their investigative team who may be soliciting money.

Representatives of some fast food establishments say on two occasions recently, a man called the businesses wanting money.

He claimed the Metro Gang Unit had lost a funding grant and needed the money for operational expenses. In two instances, the man was convincing enough to get donations from the business.

The imposter, a white man (no age description), wore a black shirt similar to those used by the Metro Gang Unit, showed a badge in the shape of a star, and even had what appeared to be an identification card.

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell, Jr. and Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin say Metro Gang Unit officers do not solicit money for any reason.

People who might have been contacted by the Metro Gang Unit imposter should call the Metro Gang Unit at (901) 385-5186 or Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH (2274).