Okaloosa County man is accused of impersonating a public servant and pulling someone over

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) – An Okaloosa County man is facing multiple charges, including impersonating a federal officer after allegedly pulling someone over.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said 69-year-old Salvator Gruny was driving his personal Dodge Charger, equipped with flashing blue, red and white lights, when he flagged down a driver on US 98 in Mary Esther, Florida , which he alleged was reckless driving.

After the stop, the victim asked Gruny if he was an officer. Deputies said in response, Gruny said he was with the government and displayed an Office of Naval Intelligence badge and a loaded 9mm gun.

The sheriff's office said Gruny claimed he worked for the Navy Criminal Investigative Service and provided ID for the ONI, but he was actually retired.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said an incident of this nature is rare in his county.

“Most of the time the people you stop in this county are wearing a uniform and one of the green and white patrol cars with the big blue lights and it's pretty obvious to recognize us,” Aden said.

Office of Naval Intelligence officials said Gruny had been warned about similar actions in the past.

He now faces five charges, including openly carrying a weapon, impersonating a federal officer, using a firearm during a crime, unlawful use of flashing lights and unlawful use of a badge.

Gruny was released Tuesday on $5,000 bail.

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