L.I. Man Arrested, Accused Of Impersonating Police Officer On Three Occasions
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island man is accused of impersonating a police officer on three separate occasions, according to police.
Police said Max Sapirman, 18, of Deer Park had told his girlfriend he was an officer, CBS2 reported.
His girlfriend's mother then arranged to have Sapirman intervene in another couple's domestic dispute after her friend confided that she was having marital problems.
Police said Sapirman responded to the couple's Dix Hills home three times in September. On each occasion, Sapirman asked the woman if she wanted her husband arrested and she declined each time, police said. On two occasions, Sapirman allegedly ordered the husband out of the house.
"This wasn't a one time prank. He returns two times, interviewing them two separate times," Det. Sgt. Jeffrey Walker, Suffolk County Police Department, told CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff.
Sapirman also allegedly set his cell phone to a police scanner app so it sounded like he was an officer.
On Nov. 4, officials said the couple found out Sapirman was not an officer and called police.
Sapirman was arrested Thursday night at his home where police said they found a t-shirt, a baseball hat and a long sleeve shirt with the Suffolk County Police Department's patch and insignia. The clothing is not standard issue for Suffolk County officers, police said.
After his arrest, police released a picture of Sapirman wearing clothing with the department's insignia. A gun that Sapirman was reportedly carrying during the incidents was a bb gun, police said.
The owner of a uniform told CBS2's Gusoff that he always checks ID before selling law enforcement uniforms, but some t-shirts and hats are sold to the public.
"It does not identify you as a police officer," Matt Greenblatt, Greenblatt's Uniforms explained.
Sapirman was charged with three counts of second-degree criminal impersonation and arraigned Friday at First District Court in Central Islip Friday.
He was released and walked out of court with his parents at his side, CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported. They did not comment.
"He probably had certain needs about wanting to feel power, authority, to gain respect, and taking on this role helped him do that," forensic psychologist, Ankur Saraya told CBS2's Weijia Jiang.
Sapirman's Twitter page is filled with puzzling posts.
"I need to get better," reads one.
"All I do is cry," said another.
On the week of the alleged crime he tweeted:
"Can't believe I did that."
The investigation is continuing.
Any other victims are asked to contact the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.
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