Police Impersonator Demanding Cash, Still On the Loose

By Evan Rosen

Suspect wanted for police impersonation. Photo courtesy of NYPD.

It turns out that the police officer demanding cash donations from Queens residents on the street and threatening one person was not actually a police officer.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man impersonated an NYPD officer on September 13 on 34th Street and Broadway in Astoria. On that date, the man allegedly displayed a police shield around his neck and threatening a victim to make a donation to the 114th Precinct.

Police said the phony officer got away with an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim.

Officers are not allowed to solicit any funds for precinct activities or sponsorships, police said.

The suspect is described as 5 foot-11, 280 pounds, long black beard, short black hair and heavy build. The man, believed to be a lighter skin-toned Hispanic, sported a black T-shirt, black jeans and tan shoes at the time of the robbery.

According to NYPD, the man did not mention, show or suggest he had a weapon during the robbery. The victim was not harmed.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the CrimeStoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.