Mass. man charged with impersonating cop

GLOCESTER, R.I (WPRI) -- A substantial amount of criminal activity was added to what seemed like a typical traffic stop in Glocester, R.I. on Thursday afternoon.

Serge Bernstein, 37, was pulled over on Chestnut Hill Road around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Upon asking for his information, the police officers noticed an 11-inch knife protruding from Bernstein's pocket and demanded he step out of the vehicle.

Bernstein was also wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a replica pistol which was loaded with blanks. When asked for an explanation, Berntstein claimed to be Deputy Sheriff of Barnstable County.

The Barnstable County Police Dept. denied his claims, telling the arresting officers that Bernstein had no connection to their department.

Bernstein appeared in court and was charged with one felony count of possession of body armor, and one misdemeanor count of each of the following: Impersonating a police officer, possession of a weapon other than firearms, and obstruction of a police officer.

A plea of not guilty was entered on all counts, and Bernstein was released on $10,000 bail.

His next scheduled court date is April 19, 2013.