A Bronx man is facing a felony charge after Catskill police say he falsely identified himself as an NYPD detective during a dispute in a Walmart parking lot. Officers arrested Rome Johnson, 62, on Wednesday and charged him with criminal impersonation in the first degree.
According to the Catskill Police Department, officers responded to a report of a verbal dispute in the parking lot. During their investigation, they determined that Johnson had represented himself as an NYPD detective. Officers seized a detective shield from Johnson, which police are holding as evidence. He was processed and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Catskill Court.
The Catskill Police Department is reminding residents to contact local law enforcement if they suspect someone is falsely posing as a police officer, or if they have any doubt about an officer’s identity. Officers said they can help verify identities and investigate suspicious activity. As with any pending case, the charge against Johnson is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.