Man accused of trying to grab girl from yard, impersonating police officer

HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. (WDTV/Gray News) - A West Virginia man is behind bars, accused of trying to grab a young girl from her front yard and then impersonating a police officer.

Marc Brown, 56, is charged with assault, obstructing an officer, impersonating an officer, interference with state police and refusal to be fingerprinted, according to the West Virginia State Police.

West Virginia State Police responded to Harrison County on Monday after a father reported that Brown had attempted to grab his daughter. The father told troopers his daughter was playing in the front yard on her scooter when Brown chased her and attempted to grab her “in a provoking manner.” The girl ran away, and her father chased Brown off with a baseball bat.

When troopers arrived at Brown’s residence, he identified himself as an undercover law enforcement officer. Troopers identified themselves, but Brown continued to insist he was a law enforcement officer and refused to provide identification.

Troopers were already aware of Brown and knew he was not an officer. They placed him under arrest for impersonation. Brown physically resisted, refusing to stand or walk, and had to be dragged to the patrol vehicle.

The father positively identified Brown as the man who tried to grab his daughter. Brown then threatened to return to the residence “in a retaliatory manner” and continued threatening troopers during transport. He also claimed his name was Thomas.

Troopers eventually used fingerprinting to confirm Brown’s identity.

Brown is currently held at North Central Regional Jail. His bond is set at $6,000.