Fake cop tells tale, clears coffee shop

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids Police Department is looking for a man who pulled a bizarre stunt at a coffee shop.

Police say about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, a man walked into The Sparrows Coffee Tea & Newsstand, 1035 Wealthy St. SE.

He told everyone that he was a police officer. He also claimed an officer had been shot nearby and said everyone would have to leave the business. He offered to escort patrons to their vehicles.

Police say most people did leave the coffee shop.

Grand Rapids police were quickly able to account for all of their officers' safety. By the time they arrived at the scene, the man was gone. He never asked for money or threatened anyone.

GRPD Lt. Mark Ostpowicz Wednesday called the incident "odd."

The biggest question is what the man's motivation was -- he didn't get any money or even a free espresso -- and what else might he be capable of doing.

Anyone who was in the area at the time or saw anything is asked to contact GRPD at 616.456.3400 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.