Police: Imposter officer robs, punches man

Police said a man who was trying to break up a fight was robbed and then punched in the mouth on Sunday by a man impersonating a police officer.
It happened near Tim’s Rivershore restaurant and bar, in the 1500 block of Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries.
The victim, a Gainesville man who’s age police did not release, was attempting to break up a fight between two women when the man walked up and stopped him, said Prince William police spokeswoman Erika Hernandez.
The man identified himself as an “undercover cop” and told the victim to place his hands on top of a car.
The victim did as he was told and was subsequently searched by the police impersonator, who then took a “small amount” of cash from him, said Hernandez.
The man then punched the victim in the mouth.
Following the altercation the victim called police and initially said told them that he had been robbed.
But when officers arrived they learned it had been by a man who was portraying himself as a member of law enforcement, said Hernandez.
After speaking with the victim, a look out was broadcast detailing what type of car the alleged police impersonator was in.
Police found the car and stopped it in the area of River Heritage Boulevard, not far from the scene of the alleged assault.
Three people inside the car were detained and questioned by police.
One of them, 29-year-old Robert Marion McGuire, of 4515 Dale Blvd. in Dale City, was charged with impersonating a police officer and assault and battery.
“The accused is not presently employed as a law enforcement officer with any law enforcement agency,” said Hernandez.
McGuire’s court date was not released.
Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.