Crime & Safety
Fake Undercover Cop Punches Astoria Driver In Road Rage Fit: NYPD
A driver in Queens pretended to be an undercover NYPD officer, then attacked another man in a fit of road rage, according to police.
ASTORIA, QUEENS — Police are looking for a driver who pretended to be an undercover cop during a fit of violent road rage in Queens last month.
The confrontation started after the man flashed his high beams at a fellow driver by the intersection of Hoyt Avenue North and 26th Street in Astoria about 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 24, the New York Post reported.
The 38-year-old victim got out of his car and started arguing with the man, who flashed a badge and said he was an undercover cop, according to police.
Find out what's happening in Astoria-Long Island Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The victim pulled out his cell phone and tried to snap a photo of the man's license plate, but the cop impersonator slapped the phone out of his hand, then punched him, police said.
The driver's friend, who had been sitting in the passenger seat, grabbed the victim's phone and the duo sped away.
Find out what's happening in Astoria-Long Island Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
EMS brought the victim to Mount Sinai Queens.
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