WEST PLAINS, Mo. -- If they receive a phone call, Howell County Sheriff’s Department investigators will be on their way to interview a “person of interest” in the investigation of a police officer impersonator.  Police in Forth Worth, Texas, arrested Steven Harsch last week and he’s charged with impersonating an officer.  It turns out Harsch was living in West Plains last month and was interviewed regarding two attacks on women by a fake cop near West Plains.

  Harsch is in a hospital in Texas due to a medical condition that is unrelated to this case.  He's posted his bond on the charge in Fort Worth and, as soon as he's out, he's a free man.  Howell County Sheriff Robbie Crites hopes Harsch will talk to his staff.

  "We're ready to go if we get the call that he's out,” said Crites on Thursday.

  Deputies want to talk to Harsch to see if his impersonations began in Missouri in June.

  "When he gets out of the hospital, he's free to go. If he wants to talk, we'll talk to him.  If not, we'll have some more work to do,” the sheriff said.

  Crites says he expects Harsch will talk. He says he's cooperated with officers in Texas so far.  And, although the crimes in Howell County and Texas are similar, and the sketch in Howell County is similar to how Harsch looks, both of which have people talking, Crites insists all tips are still on a level playing field.

  "Of course, our interest has gone up since the arrest in Texas, but not much else has been divulged that is pointing us to his direction alone,” said Crites.