Williamstown Police Seeking Information on 'Constable'
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A woman driving along Syndicate Road told police that she encountered a stopped pickup truck at the intersection of North Street and Syndicate about 8:25 on Wednesday morning. When she honked the horn for the truck to move, an older man got out of the pickup and flashed a badge that said "Constable."
The woman, who was not identified in the Police Department statement, said the man told her she was speeding and had to follow him back to the police station. She refused and drove around him.
He followed her north until encountering a police detail on Simonds Road, she said. The truck driver did a U-turn and headed south.
According to police, the woman did not stop at the detail but called the station later.
The man was described as being white and about 65 years old with a thin build, average height. His hair was gray and "scruffy" and he was wearing jeans. The truck was a light gray, full-size, late-model pickup. The registration is unknown.
Constables in Massachusetts do not possess police authority and may not conduct traffic stops or arrests, or detain people. Williamstown Police said all citizens are asked to obey the law but they should not be detained by any person who does not clearly identify himself or herself to be a police officer.
Anyone in doubt of should call the Police Department directly to verify the authenticity of an officer.
Anyone who has information on the person claiming to be a constable is strongly encouraged to contact the Williamstown Police at 413-458-5733.
