Wareham Police detectives are looking for a white man in his 40s who they say purported to be a police officer on Saturday, Jan. 5, pulled over a 29-year-old Wareham woman, and hit her in the face with a flashlight during the bogus traffic stop.

The victim was traveling on Main Street in West Wareham at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday, when she was signaled to stop by a mid-sized SUV or pick-up truck with a blue light in the windshield, according to police.

When the victim pulled to the side of the road, a man came to the driver's side of her vehicle, told her that she had a defective tail light, and asked that she produce her driver's license and step out of the car, police said.

"The female reported that she then felt that the male was not a police officer and began to drive away, at which time the male struck her face with a flashlight, causing a minor injury," according to police.

The victim contacted Wareham Police as soon as she arrived home, police said.

The man is described as approximately 40 years of age, approximately 5'8" tall, with dark hair and "a very distinctive Adam's apple," police said. The man was wearing a dark colored buttoned shirt under a fluorescent yellow jacket, police said.

"You've got to trust your instincts," Wareham Police Lt. Kevin Walsh advised motorists. "If something feels wrong, call 911 or pull into a well-lit area."

Police are asking that anyone with information pertaining to a similar incident, the suspect, or the vehicle, contact Wareham Police Detective Michael Smith.

Anonymous tips can be called in to 508-291-2300, or submitted online at www.warehampolice.com. Click on "Report a Crime."