Cops: West Hempstead Man Impersonated Police

By Adina Genn

A West Hempstead man is facing charges for impersonating a police officer in an incident that took place Wednesday at 4:45 pm. in Great Neck.

Nassau detectives say that a woman victim, 43, was driving on Grace Avenue near Gilchrest Avenue when she heard honking and noticed a dark vehicle tailgaiting hers.  The woman pulled to the side on Stoner Avenue when the driver of the tailgaiting vehicle cut in front of her, preventing her from pulling away.  

A man exited the vehicle, approached her, produced a police mini-shield and identified himself as a police officer. Police say he claimed the woman committed several vehicle and traffic law violations. 

Police were notified that the man was seen entering a building at 40 Stoner Avenue where he was later identified as Steven Kleiman, 58, of 125 Hempstead Gardens in West Hempstead. He was placed under arrest without incident.  

No injuries were reported.

Kleiman is charged with criminal impersonation first degree and will be arraigned on Thursday, at First District Court in Hempstead.