Salina, N.Y. - A Salina man was arrested for impersonating an Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy.
Police say they were tipped off about 46-year-old Patrick Cooper, when a church member in Manlius called to report a man who regularly attends services was seen in police gear and carrying a pistol.
Cooper identified himself as a County deputy, but he's not and never has been.
A search of his home found a police gear belt, 3 realistic looking imitation pistols, a BB Gun that looks like a real rifle, portable radio, several pieces of clothing with the word "Police" on them, and more. Cooper has a long criminal history with 14 arrests from 1999 to 2019.
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at (315) 435-3081 if you were ever approached by Cooper and he identified himself as a police officer or an Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputy.
Cooper was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Manlius Court.