Police: Merrick man impersonated fire marshal, officer
A Merrick man is accused of impersonating a fire marshal and a Hempstead police officer.
Investigators say Christopher Charles' impersonations were an effort to secure a contract for his fire restoration business.
Charles allegedly went to the home of a house fire victim to get the victim to sign a contract with his company.
Officers say when a competitor pulled up to the victim's home, Charles called the police and claimed he was an officer in need of backup.