Fake Cop Pulls Over, Robs Man Near FDR Drive, Police Say

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A man impersonating a police officer stopped a driver near the FDR Drive, stole his wallet and then drove away, police said Monday.

The alleged robbery happened on Aug. 25 at around 2:50 a.m., when the victim, a 36-year-old man, was driving on the FDR service road at East 26th Street.

An unidentified man driving a white car pulled the driver over, told him he was a police officer and instructed him to get out of his car, police said. He then asked for the man's license and registration, which the driver handed over.

At that point, the fake cop took the wallet — which contained credit cards and about $800 in cash — and got back into his white car, driving north along the FDR, police said. The robbery victim was uninjured.

Police described the alleged robber as a light-skinned man in his 40s, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds, with a heavy build. He was bald and last seen wearing a white T-shirt and black sweatpants.

Police on Monday shared surveillance footage showing the man at a gas station after the incident. They asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.