Man arrested for impersonating cop during Long Island traffic stop

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Police arrested a man on Thursday after he allegedly impersonated a cop during a traffic stop on Long Island.

Officers stopped a vehicle for committing serval vehicle and traffic law violations on County Road 39 in Southampton.

When the driver, Brian Garcia, 56, of Mastic Beach, was asked for dentification, he presented a police shield and stated he was currently employed by Suffolk County Police Department.

He later presented a police identification card, officials said.

Further investigation revealed that Garcia is not currently employed by Suffolk Police and the ID card he presented was a fake.

Garcia was arrested and transported to Southampton Town Police Headquarters for processing, where he was held for arraignment.

He was charged with criminal impersonation of a police officer, criminal impersonation and possession of a forged instrument.