A Winnipeg police vehicle is photographed at a scene in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
Winnipeg police say a 17-year-old driver has been educated on the consequences of falsely representing a police vehicle after flashing red and blue lights were spotted in the rear window of a decommissioned Ford Explorer.
Officers launched an investigation on Monday after receiving a video showing the white Ford Explorer parked at a commercial business on Sage Creek Boulevard the day before with active flashing lights visible in the rear window.
Investigators identified the driver, who admitted he placed temporary red and blue flashing lights on the rear window using suction cups after being dared by friends.
Police determined the vehicle was an ex-police unit that had been properly decommissioned, with no lights or markings indicating it was in active service.
A vehicle inspection also found window tint on the front driver and passenger side windows was too dark. A re-inspection was ordered, and a ticket was issued.
“The Winnipeg Police Service takes the representation of police vehicles very seriously,” police said in a statement. “Any individual who modifies their personal vehicle for the purpose of actively deceiving the community can face serious consequences up to and including criminal charges.”
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