The NYPD is searching for a suspect in connection with a bizarre incident where an individual allegedly impersonated a police detective and pepper sprayed a victim at a subway station in Manhattan.
Man Reportedly Impersonated NYPD Officer and Pepper Sprayed Subway Rider
“An unknown individual wearing an NYPD detective shield displayed from a chain around his neck was unlawfully stopping commuters from entering the transit system and attempting to detain them while identifying himself as a police officer,” police say.

The NYPD says a man posed as a detective in the subway system using this badge and pepper sprayed a rider.
NYPD/X
“An unknown individual wearing an NYPD detective shield displayed from a chain around his neck was unlawfully stopping commuters from entering the transit system and attempting to detain them while identifying himself as a police officer,” according to the police statement.
The individual allegedly attempted to stop a 46-year-old man who was trying to walk away from him. The individual allegedly discharged pepper spray from a can toward the back of the 46-year-old man’s head, according to the police statement.
The unidentified suspect then fled on a northbound “R” train and was spotted on surveillance video, according to the police statement.
Police described the individual sought for questioning as a man seen with NYPD detective shield number 694 attached to a chain hanging around his neck. He also was wearing ripped denim shorts, a black and yellow T-shirt and a yellow hat, SILive reports.
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