Sunny Isles Beach, FL - A South Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly impersonating a New York City police officer, pulling a gun on a disabled scooter rider, and knocking the victim to the ground during a road rage incident.
Authorities say the confrontation took place on Thursday on the 16900 block of Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach.
According to police, the suspect, 41-year-old John Anthony Lora, was tailgating the victim while driving a black BMW 528i.
When the victim asked Lora to back off, Lora allegedly pulled out a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun, pointed it at the victim, and threatened to kill him.
Lora then claimed to be a New York City police officer, showing the victim a badge before kicking the victim’s scooter, causing him to fall.
Multiple witnesses corroborated the victim’s account, police said.
The next day, officers located Lora driving the same BMW in the area despite having a suspended license.
He was taken into custody, and police found the gun in the vehicle’s center console.
During an interview, Lora initially denied pointing the firearm but later admitted to drawing it, though he claimed he never aimed it directly at the victim.
Lora also alleged that the victim hit him with the scooter and was the one impersonating an officer, a claim police did not find credible.
Lora was arrested on charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer in the commission of a felony, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and battery on a person with a physical disability.
He was also cited for knowingly driving with a suspended license.