The Mercer County Sheriff’s office made aware of a suspicious event in Viola this week. It happened around Noon Thursday where a female was motioned to pull over by a white male possibly in his early 30’s wearing all black clothing and sunglasses. The man identified himself verbally as a police officer. He was in a black or dark colored smaller SUV without visible police markings and no visible police lighting. Mercer County Sheriff Dusty Terrill is reminding everyone to be observant of unusual activity. You are required to pull over only for visible flashing red lights. Terrill says If for whatever reason you are questioning the authenticity of a police-stop, turn on your hazard lights, slow down and continue to drive to a safe place while calling 911 to verify that the stop is legitimate.
If you have information concerning the suspicious Viola event, you are asked to contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s office at 309-582-5194 or Mercer County Crime Stoppers at 309-582-3500.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and Viola Police Department continue to investigate.