Northeast News
March 21, 2013

A man impersonating an officer in Kansas City has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman, and police want to know whether he has victimized anyone else. Police also want to tell residents how to protect themselves from such impersonators.

Grant C. Rader, 34, has been charged with forcible sodomy and false impersonation of a law enforcement officer in Platte County and is being held in lieu of a $25,000 cash-only bond.

According to court documents, the 25-year-old victim was celebrating her upcoming birthday at the Power and Light District the evening of March 7. Rader told police officers he was also at the Power and Light District that evening.

The victim took a cab from the Power and Light District to her Northland apartment in the early morning hours of March 8. A friend met her at her apartment to ensure she was safe.

Rader allegedly approached the victim in her apartment complex parking lot driving a red pick-up truck. He allegedly told her and her friend he was an undercover detective and that the victim was under arrest for an altercation at the entertainment district.

Rader reportedly used the names “Shawn,” “Vince,” and “Cannon” in identifying himself as a detective.

The victim reported Rader had a computer mounted in the cab of his truck, and the victim’s friend said she heard police radio traffic coming from inside. The friend argued with Rader for some time about just letting the victim go.

Rader then put the victim in his truck and drove off. Convinced Rader was a real police officer, the friend left to go to a police station to bail her friend out of jail.

Meanwhile, Rader drove the victim to another part of her apartment complex’s parking lot. He allegedly told her he would not take her to jail if she consented to have sex with him. The victim refused, and Rader allegedly sexually assaulted her. He then made her get out of the truck and drove away. The victim later called police.

Other possible victims should call the KCPD Sex Crimes Section at 816-234-5220.

KCPD officers use a variety of vehicles including police cruiser sedans, trucks, ATVS, bicycles and more.

Officers from different units also wear different uniforms, and some do work undercover. To protect yourself from a police impersonator, please note:
•If you are pulled over, it should be by a uniformed officer with a badge in a marked vehicle with lights. The officer should be able to show you current police department identification.

•When in doubt, call 911. You can drive slowly in your car with your flashers on while on the phone with 911 until other units arrive.

•If you feel uneasy, ask for a supervisor or other officers to come.

•Trust your instinct. If the situation doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

•Use the buddy system.

If you have witnessed someone impersonating an officer, call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

The charges against Rader are merely allegations, and Rader is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.