A Brooklyn driver’s encounter with what appeared to be an unmarked police vehicle has sparked debate about unofficial emergency vehicles operating in New York City. The incident, captured on dashcam footage, shows how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous when someone impersonates law enforcement.
Maritza (@maritza_bk718) shared her experience in a TikTok that has been viewed more than 389,000 times since it was posted on Oct. 24. The clip begins with dashcam footage showing a Ford Explorer with police-style emergency lights and livery similar to an actual police cruiser before cutting to Maritza speaking directly to the camera from her home.
“This car fake pulled me over today,” Maritza says in the video. “If you’re from NYC—Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Manhattan—you need to hear this because I’m sure that you’ve encountered this because this is the second time and I’m not dealing with this anymore.”
The Incident: Traffic Stop Gone Wrong
According to Maritza’s account, the incident occurred while she was traveling from Staten Island to Brooklyn via the HOV lane with her children. She noticed the Ford Explorer ahead using emergency lights inconsistently—turning them on when other drivers tried to pass, then using them again when the driver wanted to cut through traffic.
“As people cut him he would keep turning on his lights and then when he wanted to cut people he would turn on his lights and people would move out of the way,” she explains.
The situation escalated when they reached an area near the Brooklyn Bridge where the HOV lane opens briefly to allow merging traffic. The Explorer stopped short and activated its emergency lights before the driver got on a PA system and ordered Maritza to pull over.
“This guy stops short right before you get into that area and turns on his lights and then gets on the mic and tells me to pull to the side of him,” Maritza recounts. “So I think he’s pulling me over but I’m like why.”
The Confrontation: Not What It Seemed
When both vehicles pulled to the side, the situation quickly revealed itself as something other than a legitimate traffic stop. Maritza described the operator as “a white man, glasses, he had an accent” who appeared to be in his late 50s or early 60s.
“He starts yelling at me telling me you’re not supposed to be in my lane, why are you so close to me, you’re not even supposed to be in my lane, I could have you arrested,” she says. “So he did not see my kids in the back—I’m driving a Wagoneer all tinted in the back, my kids are sleeping, so my one kid gets up like what’s going on.”
The confrontation became more concerning when Maritza questioned whether the man was actually a police officer.
“So I look at him and I’m like, ‘Are you even a cop?’ because he’s not pulling me or he’s not giving me—I could have you arrested, you’re not supposed to be following that quick,” she explains. “So I go to pull out my camera, this dude takes off with his lights.”
Community Knowledge: A Known Problem
Several commenters on Maritza’s video indicated this type of incident is not uncommon in NYC. One particularly informative response came from BklynChic911, who identified as a retired New York State EMT with extensive experience dealing with similar situations.
“You’re spot on, Hatzolah (Jewish emergency MEDICAL response) equips their personal vehicles with lights & sirens,” they wrote. “Some of them are licensed medical first responders but some just be acting like police to do just what you’re saying. I’m a retired NYS EMT & I dealt with them for many years, they think they own Brooklyn.”
Ellen confirmed the identification, “That’s definitely Hatzolah, they drive by on Staten Island, most of them work and park not far from my job.”
Additional commenters shared their own experiences with similar encounters. Sandra Gonzalez wrote, “That’s exactly what that car is, Hatzolah, the siren is the same sound for the ambulance. They think just bcuz they have money the law doesn’t apply to them.”
What Are Hatzolah Vehicles?
The Ford Explorer appears to be associated with Hatzolah, a Jewish volunteer emergency medical service that operates throughout NYC. These organizations use personal vehicles equipped with emergency lights and sirens to respond to medical emergencies within their communities.
However, multiple commenters expressed frustration with how some operators use these emergency vehicles outside of actual emergencies. One shared a relevant experience, writing, “We proudly gave them a ticket for backing up out of a driveway almost hitting a civilian. They fought it for 2 years came to court and lost.”
The use of emergency lights and sirens is strictly regulated, and their activation is typically reserved for legitimate emergency responses. Using these devices to intimidate other drivers or to facilitate personal traffic convenience can constitute various traffic violations and potentially result in criminal charges.
Impersonating a police officer is a serious crime in New York State, carrying potential felony charges. Even if the operator wasn’t explicitly claiming to be a police officer, using emergency equipment to stop and confront other drivers raises significant legal and safety concerns.
Maritza emphasizes the danger this incident created, particularly with children in her vehicle. “This time I almost caused two—I thought I heard cars crash but I did not even look behind me because I’m at the V before the line, there was nowhere for me to be,” she says. “I’m literally in the middle of between two lanes pulled over while he does this.”
The incident also traumatized her children. “My kid was scared in the back, he’s yelling like he’s gonna—I’m gonna arrest you,” she recounts.
Taking Action: What Drivers Should Do
Maritza advises other drivers who encounter similar situations to document everything possible and report the incident through proper channels.
“If this ever happens to you try to get the license plate, do not engage,” she says in the video. “Go on Google, there’s a civilian complaint NYC, Google it up—they’re going to give you a form, you can put in the license plate, you can put in the incident.”
She also consulted a family member who works for the NYPD, who confirmed her suspicions about the incident and provided guidance on proper reporting procedures.
A Growing Concern
This incident highlights a broader issue with unauthorized use of emergency vehicle equipment in urban areas. While legitimate emergency responders provide crucial services to their communities, the misuse of emergency lights and sirens for personal convenience creates dangerous situations for all drivers.
Maritza’s experience serves as an essential reminder that drivers should be cautious when approached by unmarked vehicles, even those equipped with emergency lights. Legitimate police officers will provide proper identification upon request, and drivers have the right to ask for verification during any traffic stop.
Motor1 reached out to Maritza via TikTok direct message and Central Hatzolah via email for additional comment. We’ll be sure to update this if either responds.
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