Muskogee police investigate robberies by man claiming to be police officer

MUSKOGEE, Okla. - Muskogee police are investigating two robberies involving a man claiming to be a police officer.

Police Lt. Bobby Lee told 2NEWS that in the most recent incident which occurred Saturday, a woman had made arrangements with an individual to meet at a residence on Indiana Street to purchase a television advertised on Craigslist.

When the woman arrived to location, a black man approached her from a white sedan and, telling her he was an officer, ordered her out of the car. The alleged victim told police the man pulled a gun on her, handcuffed her and robbed her.

Lee said a similar incident happened last month when a man matching the same description and driving a white sedan identified himself as an officer and robbed an individual that contacted him through a website.

Concerning the investigation, Lee said police are now following a few leads.

In the meantime, police suggest those meeting individuals to purchase items found online to tell others where they are going and to meet the individuals in a public place.

Lee told 2NEWS that as most of the sales being made on Craigslist and other such websites are legitimate, the purchaser should suggest to meet outside the police department headquarters.

“If it's legit (the seller is) going to meet you there,” he said.