MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that it is searching for a man accused of pretending to be a deputy.
Investigators said that on Nov. 3, the man rang the doorbell at a home on Water Trak while wearing a protective vest.
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The victim didn’t answer the door, but the man called the victim and falsely identified himself as “Detective Nichols,” deputies explained.
A similar-looking person also appeared in the Countryside Estates neighborhood that same day, wearing what seemed to be a sheriff’s office shirt, according to investigators.
In a release, deputies said that the incident happened near the 4200 block of NE 34th Court when the person approached a woman and asked whether she’d seen a missing little girl before walking off.
The release shows that both cases were reported to the sheriff’s office, which clarified that the person does not work for the agency.
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According to deputies, the man might drive a white SUV and have ties to Citrus County.
Anyone with information on his identity or who has had a similar interaction is urged to call (352) 732-9111.
Alternatively, tips can be made anonymously to the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-7867 or by clicking here. If making a tip to Crime Stoppers, reference 23-62 in the tip.
Tips that lead to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward.
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