Dictionary definition of “blue light bandit”

blue light bandit

n. a person with criminal intentions who impersonates a police officer in a patrol car. Subjects: English, Crime & Prisons, Police

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Citations: 1986 Margaret L. Knox @ Savannah Altanta Journal-Constitution (Ga.) (Jan. 24) “Chatham jury convicts alleged ‘blue light bandit’” p. A11: After nearly deadlocking Thursday, a Chatham County Superior Court jury returned Friday and delivered a guilty verdict against one of Savannah’s alleged “blue light bandits.” Jimmy Bradford, 20, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on an armed robbery charge stemming from an incident on March 14, 1984, in which robbers used a flashing light and posed as law officers to stop and frisk a motorist. 1991 The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.) (Oct. 11) “Police have arrested two men they say were selling crack cocaine” p. 8A: A 53-year-old Monroe High School teacher refused to stop her car Thursday after being followed by a suspect flashing a blue police-style light on his pickup truck. Reports of a blue-light bandit who stopped women using such lights have been filed in Mecklenburg and several surrounding counties in the past year. 2005 Fred Kelly Charlotte Observer (N.C.) (May 29) “Attack by fake officer reported”: Impersonating police officers has become so common that law enforcement officials refer to them as “blue light bandits.”

Posted 31 May 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend