Police: NJ Man Impersonating Police Officer Arrested After Pulling Over Real One

HOLMDEL, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A Nutley man is accused of impersonating a police officer after pulling over a real one on the Garden State Parkway.

Woodbridge Police Sgt. Charles Stab was driving his personal car on the GSP in Holmdel on Dec. 21 at 7:15 p.m. when a black SUV pulled behind him and turned on emergency lights, police said.

"I saw a black SUV come up behind me, came right up on my bumper,was flashing the high beams -- signal for me to get over to the right," Stab told CBS2's Steve Langford.

Thinking he was being stopped by an undercover officer, Stab pulled over. Once the two vehicles were on the side of the road, the driver of the SUV switched off its emergency lights and drove away quickly.

"I called 911 because I found that suspicious I didn't believe a state police vehicle would do that," Stab said.

Stab took note of the driver and the SUV's license plate number.

The next day, police interviewed Richard Goldrick. They soon discovered a .22 caliber pistol, hollow point ammunition, and fake documents inside his vehicle, according to authorities.

Getting pulled over by a fake cop on the parkway could have quickly turned into a shootout, Stab said, since he was on his way to work with his service weapon at his side.

"It could have evolved into a shooting situation in the worst case scenario," Stab said.

Goldrick, 68,  now out on bail, was charged with impersonating a police officer, possession of a weapon and possession of false government documents.

"I'm sure it's not the first time he's done this. The unfortunate thing is he's probably done it a lot over the years," Stab said.