Las Cruces Police: Woman Targeted By Fake Officer Was Homeless

Las Cruces Police say the woman allegedly targeted by a police impersonator was homeless.

It happened Friday, Nov. 17 along West Amador Avenue near the Rescue Mission.

Investigators say the woman was walking west at 2 p.m. when a man in a green, Chevy avalanche pulled in front of her.

The woman told police the man — described as Hispanic with a dark complexion and a mustache — had a badge or patch on his left sleeve.

Police say the man tried to lure the woman into the truck but she was able to get away unharmed.

Staff at the rescue mission told the ABC-7 New Mexico Mobile Newsroom the woman is no longer staying at the shelter.

LuAnne Burke who works at the mission said, unfortunately, the homeless can often be easy victims.

“When you’re homeless and a police officer approaches you, you think, ‘ok, I want to comply, I don’t want to get picked up and taken to jail,” Burke told ABC-7.

Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who has information leading to the arrest of the impersonator.