First Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Long Beach man for Criminal Impersonation that occurred on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 7:39 pm in Freeport.
According to detectives, officers observed two (2) males and a female in the vicinity of Babylon Turnpike and Colonial Avenue. As officers approached the group to question their conduct, one of the men and the female left the location. Officers interviewed the male that remained. During the investigation the male was found to be in possession of a City of Long Beach Police Detective’s shield and identification card. The subject proceeded to confirm his law enforcement employment when asked by the officers.
The investigation revealed the subject was not employed as a Long Beach Detective. The shield and identification card were determined to be fraudulent. Ariel Espinal, 35, of 513 Shore Road was placed under arrest.
Defendant Espinal is charged with Criminal Impersonation 1st Degree, Forgery 2nd Degree and two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at First District Court, Hempstead.