An armed man claiming to be a cop robbed a driver of $200 following a minor fender bender on the Lower East Side, police said Saturday.
The 23-year-old victim was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet rolling down Ludlow St. near Stanton St. about 12:30 a.m. on March 19 when the suspect struck his vehicle as he swung open the door to his parked Range Rover SUV, cops said.
Outraged, the suspect began banging on the hood of the victim’s Chevrolet, screaming that the victim had struck his car.
The victim pulled out his ID in an attempt to exchange information with the stranger when the suspect took a photo of his driver’s license, identified himself as a police officer and demanded cash.
After being threatened by the other motorist, the victim got back in his car and drove off. The suspect followed him to the corner of Delancey and Chrystie Sts. where he rolled up alongside the Chevrolet and flashed a gun, cops said.
The would-be cop turned crook forced him to a nearby bank, where the victim withdrew $200 and gave it to him.
The suspect ultimately drove off, leaving the victim unharmed.
The victim reported the incident to police, who recovered surveillance images of the “cop” who never showed a shield or any ID, cops said.
Detectives on Saturday released the images in the hopes someone recognizes the unhinged motorist, who is believed to be in his early to mid-30s, about 6 feet tall and between 230-250 pounds. He was last seen sporting a beard and was wearing a grey shirt and a blue baseball hat.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.