Most people find themselves in even more trouble with the police because they decide to run from anyone who identifies themselves as a member of the law enforcement community. The excuses they give range from "they wouldn't believe my story" to being afraid of being mistaken for "the person who really did it". If you didn't commit any crimes or don't have anything to hide, you don't have to be afraid of talking to the police. Also, if you didn't commit the crime for which they want to talk to you, even if you resemble the criminal, everything can be cleared up by co-operating.
      If you're innocent and you do run, bad things can happen because of the laws you do break in your attempt to avoid contact with the police. Such stories fill the newspapers and television reports. One of the best examples is when the possible suspect, police, and/or innocent bystanders are injured or killed during high speed chases. No matter what you think, possibly avoiding talking to the police isn't worth the risk of the injury or death of anyone.
      Then there are the people who claim they ran because they've been the victim of previous police brutality or have at least heard horror stories about that happening. Most of these cases are later found to be baseless and the criminals only make the claim because they got injured while trying to fight off the police and escape. Some people claim they ran because they just knew "the police will do anything to get me to confess and close their case". While this can happen in very isolated cases, it's mostly an urban legend and the criminals make the claim in the attempt to get off the hook through a legal loophole.
      Nothing can make a person look more guilty than running away from the police. Even if you manage to get away, the police are going to track you down. You're always innocent until proven guilty, but when you don't co-operate you look less innocent. To avoid any misunderstandings and possible injuries to anyone, do what the police tell you to do. In the worst case scenario, you'll be handcuffed, put in a squad car, and taken to the local police department. You might even be fingerprinted and asked to give a DNA sample. If you don't have anything to hide and didn't commit whatever crime was committed by the person you just happen to resemble, you'll be sent home within a few hours.
      The police are only trying to do their job by capturing the criminals and keeping the community safe. At times that means mistakes happen and the wrong person is held for questioning. Most people accept this as a part of life until it happens and they or a family member is on the receiving end of mistaken identification. The only way the police have of ruling out suspects and capturing the real criminals is to question everyone. They're not trying to make your life miserable or put you in jail for something you didn't do. You can help clear up any misunderstandings or mistaken identity by not running.