MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – An Okaloosa County man faces multiple charges, including impersonating a federal officer, after detaining someone.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said Salvator Gruny, 69, was driving his personal Dodge Charger, equipped with blue, red and white flashing lights, when he pulled over a driver on Highway 98 in Mary Esther for what According to him, it was reckless driving.

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

The sheriff’s office said Gruny claimed he works for the Navy Criminal Investigative Service and showed an ONI ID, but he is actually retired.

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

“Most of the time, the people that are going to pull you over in this county, they’re going to have a uniform, they’re going to have one of the green and white patrol cars with the big blue lights on. and it’s pretty obvious to spot us,” Aden said.

Office of Naval Intelligence officials said Gruny has been warned for similar actions in the past.

He now faces five charges including openly carrying a weapon, impersonating a federal officer, use of a firearm during a felony, unlawful use of blue lights and unlawful use of a license plate.

Gruny was released Tuesday on $5,000 bail.

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