Lewd calls investigated

Coeur d’Alene Police are investigating two reports of local women being harassed by a man claiming to be a police officer.

The latest incident was Sunday evening when a man called a Coeur d’Alene woman and identified himself as an officer needing information to help catch a sexual predator. The caller eventually asked the woman to remove clothing, according to a statement from Police Sgt. Christie Wood.

A similar call occurred Oct. 13 to a different woman. The caller said he was a Spokane Police officer and that she had an unpaid parking ticket. The man called back three times, eventually leaving a lewd message, Wood said.

Police and detectives routinely call citizens asking for information, Wood said. Anyone wishing to verify the identity of an officer should call 769-2320. If the caller is obscene, hang up and dial *57 to trace the call, Wood said. The incidents should also be reported immediately to police. Information on either of the obscene calls should be reported to the city’s tip line at 769-2296.