Crime & Safety
Crimes Nearby: Man Impersonates Police Officer, Robs Home
The following arrest information was supplied by the Suffolk County Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
Tires were slashed on nine vehicles during a retirement party at The Smithtown Elks Lodge on June 7 , according to police.
Suffolk County police said one tire was slashed on eight vehicle and one vehicle had two tires slashed.
“I had my husband drop me and a co-worker off, so I was lucky,” said Helen Werner Mustapich, who attended the party that night. “Not so for my co-workers who drove there in their vehicles.”
An unnamed hero emerged, however, and changed 10 flat tires that evening. Police said the incidents were under investigation.
MILLER PLACE
• A Miller Place man is facing charges after entering and burglarizing a house by pretending to be a police officer and brandishing a pistol, according to police.
According to Suffolk County police, Michael Rifici, 37, of Miller Place, went into the house on Broadway in Rocky Point on Dec. 15, 2012, displayed a pistol, and claimed that he was a police officer. He then stole money from the victims, though police did not provide the amount.
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Rifici was arrested at his house on June 4 and was charged with first-degree burglary, a felony, criminal impersonation, a misdemeanor and resisting arrest, also a misdemeanor. Police said Rifici tried to lock himself inside, then tried to run away from police, refusing multiple commands to stop.
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