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Cop Impersonator Stopped Vehicle, Orchestrated Multiple Shootings At LI Parks, DA Says

A Massapequa man is accused of impersonating a police officer and orchestrating multiple shootings in public parks.

Andrew Denton.

Andrew Denton.

 Photo Credit: Nassau County DA
Michael Mashburn
@mistermashburn Email me Read More Stories

Andrew Denton, 27, was indicted on 64 counts, including reckless endangerment and criminal impersonation, in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, March 19, following a year-long investigation into shootings in Massapequa, Massapequa Park, and Wantagh. 

An investigation found that Denton, after outfitting his vehicle with unauthorized sirens and emergency lights, attempted to stop a car on Lakeshore Drive in Massapequa while pretending to be a police officer in November 2022, prosecutors said.

The driver became suspicious and refused to pull over. Denton then allegedly sped off, weaving through traffic at dangerous speeds.

Denton, who already has a pending case for allegedly carrying an NYPD shield, handcuffs, tactical gear, and a loaded .45-caliber handgun in his Chevrolet Impala, was arrested in October 2023. A search of his home and vehicle turned up illegal rifles, two pistols, and ammunition, according to prosecutors.

Dangerous Shootings in Public Areas

Investigators also determined that between October 2022 and September 2023, Denton and several co-defendants allegedly fired illegal weapons in several public places, including:

  • Massapequa Preserve and Brady Park, near walking trails and bike paths.
  • A residential backyard in Massapequa.
  • A Wantagh neighborhood, where prosecutors say he fired multiple rounds from his car, striking a parked vehicle.

More Charges Against Co-Defendants

Five others, including a former NYPD sergeant, were also charged in connection to the gun crimes. Anthony Califano, 56, of East Meadow, is accused of illegally selling Denton a firearm after his own gun permit was revoked.

The additional co-defendants were identified as:

  • Andrew Andriani, 35, of Massapequa
  • Eugene Yelanchik, 33, of Brooklyn
  • Nicole McGlone, 27, of Massapequa
  • Michael Drosihn, 30, of Massapequa

Denton is due back in court in April. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for each of his most serious charges.

Prosecutors are asking anyone who may have been approached by Denton posing as a police officer to contact the Nassau County DA’s Office at 516-571-3707.

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