Suspect in custody in connection with Brooklyn police impersonation robberies

BOROUGH PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A man is in custody in connection with a series of police impersonation robberies in Brooklyn.

Police said the man, identified as 36-year-old Arcelay Camilo, claimed he was a police officer, demanded a worker at the Gourmet Deli Grill on 18th Avenue in Borough Park hand over cash around 1 a.m. Tuesday.

The employee refused and the suspect fled the scene. No weapon was displayed.

Some video of the suspect from police:

Detectives are now looking into whether this most recent holdup is linked to a string of at least four police impersonation robberies since Thursday in Brooklyn. In all of those cases, the man claimed to be a police officer, according to the New York City Police Department.

Police released a picture of a suspect:

Camilo was released on parole last December, after serving seven years in state prison for burglary, robbery and grand larceny. His charges are currently pending.

Police tell Eyewitness News that Camilo is not only taking away the trust the clerks have for police, but is also taking their money.

"He was very nice to me, very nice. In was very calm. When I realized something was wrong, then I start shaking," says Lita Kahn.

The three linked locations are: Thursday at Gongs laundromat at 7324 20th Ave., Bensonhurst, about $300, a wallet and cigarettes taken; Saturday at Coney Island Food Market Corp at 2901 West 21st St., Coney Island, $2,500 taken; and Sunday at D Deli & Smoke Shop at 6901 New Utrecht Ave., Dyker Heights, nine cigarette packs and about $1,000 from the register.

Police said there also was another incident Monday afternoon at Paksey Associate Grocery at 2006 86th St., Bensonhurst. A man told a worker at the deli that he was there to inspect cigarette tax stamps. He then took about $500. The man had a fake badge, but no gun, police said.