Police arrested a West Babylon man who they say posed as a police officer when he responded to the scene of an altercation Sunday.
Police say when they searched 28-year-old John Downey?s home after his arrest, they found assorted police equipment and a rifle. They say his car was also outfitted with an emergency light bar and laptop.
Downey was arrested after allegedly approaching a Suffolk police lieutenant at a Medford home Sunday morning. Police say Downey was called to the home by someone involved in a landlord-tenant dispute. He identified himself to the lieutenant as a federal officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The officer did not believe Downey, questioned him further and determined he wasn?t a cop.
Police are trying to determine whether Downey pretended to be a police officer in other instances. They are asking anyone with information to call 631-854-8652. Downey is being held on $250,000 cash bail.