Troopers arrest man who allegedly tried to stop drivers on Chumstick Highway

LEAVENWORTH — A Spokane man was arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to pull over a vehicle using a car outfitted with red and blue lights, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The incident began around 6:40 p.m. on May 8 when WSP received a report that a man driving an unmarked silver Ford Crown Victoria had tried to initiate a traffic stop on Chumstick Highway near Leavenworth. The driver used dash-mounted red and blue lights to mimic law enforcement, according to the report.

The reporting party told troopers that as they began to pull over, the Crown Victoria passed them. About 10 miles later, on eastbound U.S. Highway 2 near Dryden, the same vehicle attempted to pull them over again. This time, the individual was able to take a photo of the vehicle and provide it to authorities.

At approximately 7:01 p.m., a WSP trooper based in Moses Lake located a vehicle matching the description, including a temporary license plate, and began surveillance. The suspect vehicle turned west onto White Trail Road and was stopped around 7:16 p.m. at the intersection of Road 5 and Road R, about five miles outside of Quincy.

The driver was identified as Ronald Cowin, 62, of Spokane. He was cooperative during the investigation and taken into custody without incident. Cowin was booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail on a charge of second-degree criminal impersonation.

The WSP emphasized that while cases of police impersonation are rare, motorists should take precautions if they suspect the legitimacy of a traffic stop.

The agency issued the following public safety guidance:

• Stay calm and avoid fleeing.
  
  
• Turn on hazard lights and drive to a well-lit, public location.
  
  
• Call 911 to report your location and describe the vehicle attempting the stop.
  
  
• Do not exit your vehicle until the legitimacy of the officer can be confirmed.
  
  
• If legitimacy cannot be confirmed, remain on the line with 911 and proceed to a nearby police station or fire department.
  
  

"If the 911 operator confirms the legitimacy of the vehicle attempting to stop you, pull over at a safe place and calmly explain the reasons for your earlier concerns," the WSP stated. "They will address your concerns, readily identify themselves, and let you know the reason for the original contact."