LI Man Impersonating Police Officer Even Had Badge: Police

State Police on Monday announced the arrest of a Seaford man for allegedly impersonating a police officer.

On March 12 at 9:10 p.m., State Police say they pulled over a gray Chevy Tahoe on a Long Island Expressway service road in Seaford for a traffic violation. Police say the Tahoe resembled an emergency vehicle, with a push bar on the front, emergency lighting, a computer and a radio.

According to police, a search of the car revealed that the driver, Andrew Decter, 22, had a New York State Insurance Fund Investigator shield on a lanyard, a New York State Police shield on a lanyard, a state employee ID card, an airsoft Glock pistol, an airsoft Sig Saur pistol, black handcuffs, an expandable baton and two black Hawk gun holsters.

Police say the traffic stop sparked a two-month investigation, which was conducted with help from the Nassau County District Attorney's office. On May 14, Decter was stopped by police on Hicksville Road in Massapequa and was placed under arrest.

Decter was charged with second-degree forgery, possession of a forged instrument and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

“When someone who is not law enforcement is alleged to be carrying a police shield, airsoft pistols and other police paraphernalia, that person poses a risk to the citizens of Nassau County," District Attorney Madeline Singas said. "We are working with our partners at the New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on this continuing investigation.”

Decter was known to drive a 2011 gray Chevy Tahoe and a 2007 black Ford Crown Victoria, police said. State police are asking that anyone who believes they may have been stopped by Decter impersonating a police officer to contact the State Police at 631-756-3300. All calls will remain confidential.

Photos courtesy New York State Police.