Tyrone Police reported a Seasonal Game Commission officer pulled over two teenage girls on Reservoir Drive in Tyrone on Christmas Eve and identified himself as a member of the Drug Task Force.
Thomas Sanford Pringle, 39, of York Springs, Pa. was arraigned May 2, 2008 by Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller in the presence of his attorney.
Pringle was released on $100,000 unsecured bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for May 27, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at Miller’s office.
Pringle is charged with two counts each of felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor official oppression-deny right, privilege and one count of impersonating a public servant.
According to court documents, Pringle used a flashing light bar to pull the girls over on Christmas Eve.
He then asked for the driver’s license and identified himself as a member of the Drug Task Force.
One of the girls recognized the man as a Game Commission officer. In late January the girl’s mother reported the incident to Tyrone Police and the girl provided a written statement of the event.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, officers do have the right to pull over any vehicle in the Commonwealth for any suspected violation of game law. The Game Commission officer is required to identify himself and must either be in uniform or present their badge.
