Lots of police impersonation in the news today! First there were the two men in Midtown scamming tourists, and now we've got a fake cop in the Bronx who allegedly has been hitting up teens for their toys.
According to police the man—described as being Hispanic between 25 and 30, 5'9" with a heavy build, tattooed forearms and a mole on his left cheek—has been approaching teens in Bronx parks since May. Once he gets their attention by identifying himself as police, the man asks to look at the kid's cellphones to see if they are stolen. Then he tells them to stay put while he checks...and never comes back.
The thief first struck at the Williamsbridge Playground in Norwood on May 5. He struck the same park on June 14 and is suspected of conning kids in St. James Park in Fordham Manor twice and once at Devoe Park in University Heights. His last known theft occurred on July 12 when he took the phone of an 18-year-old.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
