Former Volunteer Firefighter Arrested For Impersonating Officers
UNION TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A local volunteer firefighter is accused of impersonating a Southwest Regional Police officer, and now the chief of that department says there may be more victims who haven't yet come forward.
Vincent Ambrosy, 22, of Charleroi, is in the Washington County Jail after being arraigned at a District Justice in Washington County.
He allegedly stopped a car on Route 837 in Union Township back in May. The driver later called police, saying he didn't believe Ambrosy was a real cop.
Chief John Hartman says Ambrosy is currently a volunteer firefighter in Bunola, and once served with the Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department.
Ambrosy is charged with false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, and impersonating a public servant.
Chief Hartman says Ambrosy was driving a Ford Explorer with a blue light bar that was flashing when the driver was stopped. That man, Dustin Ginsberg, is also a local firefighter.
The chief says the two did not know each other.
"Ultimately, it breaches a trust between police officer and the public, doesn't it," Chief Hartman told KDKA's Kym Gable. "It creates danger for the traveling public, for the police officers themselves. Clearly, this is not a minor issue."
The judge called it a "big deal" too, setting bail at $50,000 cash bond.
Ambrosy's mother, who refused to release her name, says her son suffers from depression and bipolar disorder.
"Because of this wonderful system we have, he lost his medical. So social security says he's able to go to work," she said. "We're not even fully aware of what happened. They're going to talk to us at the courthouse."
"There's information out there that other stops were made. What we're trying to do is pinpoint that, nail that down," said Hartman.
The investigation continues.
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