Firefighter Impersonator Arrested At JFK

QUEENS, NY — A Bronx man was arrested for pretending to be a New York City firefighter after displaying false fire department credentials at JFK Tuesday night, police told Patch.

At about 8:40 p.m., Jose. A Vasquez, 51, was parked in a no-standing area in front of Terminal 8, police said.

When a Port Authority Police Officer approached his car, Vasquez presented a firefighter ID card and shield to the officer. Vasquez also displayed a placard that read "Fire Dept. City of NY," police said.

The officer knew Vasquez was previously arrested for unlawful solicitation, police told Patch. An investigation ensued and determined the ID, shield and placard were forged, police said.

Vasquez was arrested and his 2017 Toyota Sienna was auto impounded, police told Patch. He was charged with criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a forged instrument, criminal trespass, trespass, and no standing except authorized vehicles.

Photo: NYPD