Police: Fake Officer Lured Underage Girl to Car at Jones Beach

A 14-year old girl got a scare at in Wantagh Thursday evening when a Westchester County man lured her to his car while impersonating a police officer, according to State Park Police. 

Police said Roberto Villavicencio, 36, of Mamaroneck approched the girl near the central mall area of the beach and told her he was a cop. The man then proceeded to tell the girl he needed to accompany her to his car so he could show her his law enforcement identification and for questioning, police said. On the way to his vehicle in Parking Field 4, Villavicencio made what police described as "inappropriate sexual inquiries" toward the girl. 

Manuel Vilar, Park Police Sergeant and president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York State, applauded the actions of Lt. Caupain and urged the general public to be on alert for suspicious activity,

“The prompt response by Lieutenant Caupain as well as the awareness of the victim’s friend may have saved this young girl’s life," Vilar said. "The PBA of New York State and our members are committed to ensuring the public’s safety. We urge everyone to be aware of any suspicious activity, regardless of time or location, and report it immediately to law enforcement officials.”

Villavicencio is charged with first-degree criminal impersonation of a police officer and endangering the welfare of a child. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at First District Court in Hempstead. 

State Park Police ask anyone anyone with information on the incident to call detectives at 631-321-3700.