FAIRHOPE – Sunday afternoon, a woman traveling along Highway 181 was pulled over by who she believed was a police man. When she told the “officer” she was calling 911, he fled the scene.

Police are now searching for the white male, last seen driving a white Ford Crown Victoria with blue lights concealed inside the grill. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fairhope Police Department or any law enforcement agency.

According to FHP spokesman Craig Sawyer, the incident happened around 2 p.m., just north of Highway 104 (Silverhill Ave.).

Sawyer said the victim was alone in the car, headed northbound, when she was pulled over by a car that looked to her like an unmarked police car. She said a white man, about 5’ 9” tall, average size, about 50 years old with brown and gray hair approached her vehicle.

The suspect was wearing a white longe sleeve shirt and black pants. He had a holstered-pistol on his right hip and began talking to her through the driver’s window.

“When the suspect asked her for her driver's license, she told him that she was calling 911 on her cell phone to verify his identity,” said Sawyer. “At that point the suspect returned to his car and departed the scene. The victim did not exit her vehicle and no assault occurred.”

The Fairhope Police Department contacted other law enforcement agencies in the area and none had officers or cars in that area at that time attempting to stop motorists.

If anyone has any further details on this offense, or was in the area and witnessed the incident, they are asked to notify the Fairhope Police Department at (251) 928-2385.

As a standard precaution, Sawyer said, any driver who is signaled to stop by an unmarked car, even if the unmarked car is displaying flashing lights, should follow these simple rules:

* Activate your vehicle's flashing hazard lights to signal that you are aware that a possible police vehicle is trying to stop you.

* Proceed to the first available well-lit, occupied area before stopping, such as an open gas station, restaurant, or convenience store.

* Use your cell phone to call 911. The 911 operator can verify whether the vehicle is legitimate by calling the law enforcement agency assigned to that area.

* Remain in your vehicle. If the officer is not in uniform, ask to see photo ID. You can also request for a uniformed officer to be dispatched to the scene.

* Do not speed up or try to evade the vehicle.

* Police departments nationwide are aware of these universal precautions.