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CAMBRIDGE — An individual allegedly impersonating a Cambridge police officer was reportedly making traffic stops around midnight Tuesday, according to a press release from the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Jimmy Phillips said the incident took place on Egypt Road. A resident reported the incident, which prompted officers to investigate. The attempted traffic stop escalated into a chase.

The suspect drove into a field of tall grass, generally grown for chicken houses, making visibility difficult. He then fled on foot, according to Phillips. The vehicle was located shortly after, but the suspect was not found.

“It's almost impossible to see something in that grass,� Phillips said.

Police seized the vehicle involved in the incident. While the vehicle is registered to someone, Phillips said he does not have details of the owner’s identity or location. The department is actively pursuing this lead as of Wednesday, he said.

Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd said officers must have visible name ID and credentials indicating they are police, and that they must announce themselves. Todd said this is standard protocol and a mandated department procedure to ensure drivers can clearly recognize the officer’s authority and identity during a stop.

Plainclothes officers do conduct traffic stops, though less commonly, he said. When they do, they typically wear a vest similar to patrol officers and clearly state who they are, maintaining the requirements for obvious visual indicators of being police, according to Todd.

Anyone with further information is or who may have experienced a similar encounter with the vehicle is asked to contact Cpl. Parker (#0230) at 410-228-4141 or via email at [email protected].