Police: Fake DEA agent pulls over real cop

An alleged phony cop, carrying badges and business cards identifying himself as a federal agent, was arrested by the same detective he pulled over hours earlier with emergency lights flashing, Suffolk police said.

At the time of his arrest Monday night, Victor Alfaro-Marquez, 35, of Selden, described his motive as "citizen-oriented and altruistic," said Det. Lt. Matthew Sullivan, adding that Alfaro-Marquez contended it was the first time he'd pulled anyone over.

Third Squad Det. William Zambito was driving home from work when a black Mercedes SUV driven by Alfaro-Marquez pulled in behind him on Nichols Road with police lights and a siren on, police said.

Zambito had his badge in hand as Alfaro-Marquez, 35, approached the officer's car, a badge on a chain around his neck. After seeing the detective's badge, Alfaro-Marquez asked if Zambito was a city detective. "When he said 'No, Suffolk,' the guy said 'Oh, I'm DEA' and walked away," Sullivan said. "The whole encounter was strange. The guy wasn't right."

Zambito wrote down the license plate and arrived at Alfaro-Marquez's home in Selden at about 8:30 p.m. Monday.

Police said Alfaro-Marquez was charged with impersonating a police officer, a misdemeanor.

Police recovered from Alfaro-Marquez's vehicle two fake badges, handcuffs, a pellet pistol in a holster, as well as a baseball hat, sweatshirt and business cards bearing logos of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

Alfaro-Marquez was issued a ticket to appear in court at a later date. He has one prior arrest for carrying a phony driver's license, police said.

A message seeking comment left at his house was not returned yesterday.

Detectives ask anyone who may have encountered Alfaro-Marquez under similar circumstances to contact the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.