November 19, 2019 11:00 a.m. 
Roseburg Police are warning that misinformation on social media is causing public concern related to a vehicle in the Roseburg area.
A post on the department’s Facebook page said people are alleging that a man is pulling people over in his personal vehicle. The post said as soon as the department became aware of the complaint, an officer located the man and spoke to him. While the vehicle has some aftermarket lighting, RPD said they have been unable to substantiate any of the claims that he is making traffic stops and pulling vehicles over.
The post said one of the complaints was that the vehicle in question has flashing green lights that can be turned on. That lighting is legal according to RPD, as long as it is not activated while the vehicle is on a roadway. It can be used while in a parking lot or on private property. Anyone who has been “pulled over” by a vehicle driven by someone that is not a police officer, should contact 911 immediately, according to RPD.
The RPD Facebook post said “social media is a great resource that can quickly provide information to great numbers of people, but it can also cause unnecessary alarm and concern that is not always based upon facts”. The post said if information on social media is not properly vetted before being posted, it can cause “unwarranted alarm”. The post said RPD’s own posts are often delayed until staff can make sure the information is factual and not based on rumor or third hand reports.
Anyone with questions on the issue is asked to contact the Roseburg Police Department.