Long Island Man Accused Of Impersonating Police Officer In Traffic Stop
GREAT NECK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island man has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer.
Steven Kleinman, 58, was driving a dark-colored vehicle when police said he began tailgating and honking at a 43-year-old female driver.
He then made her pull over on Grace Avenue in Great Neck around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nassau County police said.
Kleinman blocked in her vehicle, got out of his car, flashed a mini-police shield at the driver and identified himself as a police officer, police said.
Kleinman then allegedly told the woman she committed several traffic violations.
The driver was unharmed during the incident and called 911. The alleged impersonator ran from his vehicle and was arrested inside of a nearby apartment building.
He was later arrested and charged with criminal impersonation. While in custody Kleinman complained of a medical issue and was taken to the emergency room.
The incident left Great Neck residents on edge.
"I don't know what to do in this situation. What are we supposed to do in this situation? I'm not sure," Marcy Aharone said.
Great Neck resident Ivette Subli told CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan that she witnessed the confrontation.
"Very scary. Not a pleasant situation. We would really love to prevent this," she said.
Kleinman has been released from the hospital and was being held on bond. He told a judge that he is not guilty. Police have not determined if Kleinman is the same man wanted in several other unsolved phony cop cases.
Police advise if you're not sure you're being pulled over by a legitimate officer, drive to a well-lit public place or police station or call 911, demand photo ID and request uniform backup. That type of proactive response can potentially foil a robbery or an abduction.
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