NORWOOD – Police are investigating a road rage incident where a driver was allegedly confronted by a man who claimed to be a police officer and then displayed a holstered firearm when he asked for identification.
The victim, who works at a local car dealership, reported the incident to Norwood Police on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at approximately 6:15 PM.
The victim stated he was driving from Westwood into Norwood on University Avenue. As he stopped at the traffic light at Providence Highway, a smaller, black sedan pulled up behind him and honked its horn.
According to the police report, the sedan’s driver exited his vehicle and aggressively approached the victim’s car, shouting and claiming he was going to issue the victim a ticket. The man repeatedly stated he was a police officer.
Becoming suspicious, the victim asked the man multiple times to show a badge or police ID.
Instead of providing proof of his authority, the suspect allegedly got close to the victim, pulled up his jacket, and displayed a holstered firearm on his left hip. The man then reportedly stated something to the effect of, “That’s my badge.” The victim confirmed he saw the firearm but did not see a police badge on the man’s belt.
The suspect then got back into his car and fled the scene. Due to being “nervous about the gun,” the victim did not manage to get a license plate number.
The victim described the suspect as a white male, approximately 65 years old, wearing a scally-style hat, a dark jacket, and dark pants. The victim noted that the pants resembled police uniform pants, looking similar to those worn by the responding officer, though he could not confirm if they had stripes or piping.
The suspect’s vehicle was described as a smaller black or navy blue sedan, possibly a newer model Toyota Camry or Corolla.
The victim informed police that he drives that route every day for work at the same time, raising concerns that the suspect may frequent the area. Police have advised the victim to immediately call them if he sees the suspect again so they can attempt to identify him.
According to the report, there was a problem with the traffic cameras in the area of University Avenue and Providence Highway, and police could not retrieve any footage from that time frame.
In an interview, Norwood Police Chief Chris Padden said unless officers are in full uniform, they should always identify themselves by either their name and police department or by showing a police badge.
Norwood Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying this person. If you were in the area and may have witnessed this incident, or think the description of the subject sounds familiar, Norwood Police are asking you contact them at 781-440-5100.
In a final piece of advice, Chief Padden encourages all motorists to be careful. “You don’t know who you are dealing with so always use caution” he said. -RD