By:Jerry Burke
Why? Because police say the ÒofficerÓ who pulled her over was a phony. And now theyÕre asking the public to contact them if they have had similar incidents with the same suspect.
Police say that the woman, who was driving a 1996 Chrysler, was making her way along Hempstead Turnpike when she noticed a 2003 Hummer with a flashing red light behind her. Police say the operator of the Hummer was motioning for the woman to pull over, which she did, stopping in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Hempstead Turnpike and Lincoln Road at 10:50 p.m.
According to the woman, the ÒofficerÓ began screaming at her, claiming that she had run a red light a few blocks earlier. Police say the victim feared he was not a real policeman, and pulled out of the parking lot quickly.
The victim said she drove her car to her Franklin Square residence, and police say the driver followed in close pursuit. When she arrived at her destination, according to police, her boyfriend was waiting for her. The boyfriend confronted the driver and demanded identification. Police say the man refused to produce any ID, and got back in his car and fled.
The victim quickly called the real police, and before the driver had a chance to get very far, Det. Gary Ferrucci, who was only a few seconds away from the scene, spotted the Hummer and stopped the driver.
After questioning him, Ferrucci placed the driver, identified as Solomon OÕNeil, 39, of Kerhonkson, N.Y., in custody. OÕNeil was charged with first-degree criminal impersonation, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, driving without a seatbelt and driving with improper lights. The vehicle was impounded, and OÕNeil was arraigned on July 31.
The following day, Sgt. Richard Laursen of the Homicide Squad said that a further investigation had revealed Ònumerous prior incidentsÓ of alleged criminal impersonation by OÕNeil. While the investigation continues and more details in the case are forthcoming, Laursen asks that anyone who may have had similar contact with OÕNeil in the area call the Fifth Squad at (516) 573-6500, or Internal Affairs at 573-7120.
