This story was posted on: 10:56 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017.
Authorities in Sumter and Marion counties are looking for a woman who is allegedly impersonating a deputy and using a story about accused killer Markeith Loyd to get inside of homes in The Villages.
- Woman impersonating deputy in The Villiages
- She wears shirt with "Deputy Sherriff" on it, uses story about Markeith Loyd to enter homes
- Deputies say if you see her, call 911 immediately
Authorities say there have been five suspicious incidents — three in Sumter County and two in Marion County.
On Tuesday at about 10 a.m., 70-year-old Charles Brewer says a woman wearing a shirt with the words "Deputy Sheriff" on the front and back, rang his doorbell. He said she was armed with what appeared to be a gun and told him that Markeith Loyd, a wanted fugitive at the time, was seen in the Leesburg area. She then asked to come inside to check his doors. Brewer said when he asked her for ID, she got into her car and quickly drove away.
"Well-spoken, could easily pass herself as a deputy sheriff, she was good," said Brewer.
Authorities say the woman is in her late 20s to early 30s, weighs about 180 pounds and is driving a dark colored car with a sunroof.
Sumter County authorities say they checked with other agencies and confirmed that no one is currently tasked with this type of assignment, nor does the description of the woman match any deputy or officer working in this type of capacity.
"Is she looking at the house to case it for a potential burglary later? It's a possibility," said Captain James Haworth with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. "Does she suffer from a mental disorder? Maybe she thinks she's a police officer, I have no idea. We're trying to get her identified so we can find out what exactly is happening."
Haworth says if you see this woman, or if you are approached by her, to call 911 immediately.