Prison guard arrested in Tualatin for pretending to be a cop

 

TUALATIN, Ore.April 7 2012 – A Federal Bureau of Prisons worker has been arrested after police spotted what appeared to be a bogus attempt at imitating a police car.

A Tualatin police officer noticed a car with red and white lights in the back window similar to a police car parked at Tualatin- Sherwood Road and Martinazzi, said Lt. Greg Pickering.

The officer did not recognize the red Volkswagen GTI as part of any police agency. He then spoke with the driver and noticed he had a ballistic vest, police utility belt and the lights.

Robert John Burke Jr., 44, of Vancouver, was accused of two counts of impersonating a police officer. Police believe Burke may be connected to a similar March incident.

Paul Thompson with the prison bureau’s Sheridan Federal Correctional Facility said Burke has worked there since April, 2010. He said Burke is an active employee for now. Prison officials were aware of his arrest and his employment status could change.

No part of Burke’s duties involve a car with police emergency lights, Thompson said.
Anyone who may have been approached by Burke was asked to contact the Tualatin Police at (503) 691-4800.