Police: Cop impersonator had stash of stolen items

A Lynn man accused of pretending to be a cop during a string of crimes last weekend was ordered held at Bridgewater State Hospital while doctors determine if he is competent to stand trial.

Christian Alvarez, 33, pleaded not guilty to charges of impersonating a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery and several motor vehicle crimes after fleeing from cops. He is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing April 27.

Police said at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday a woman called to report that she had been robbed in her driveway. She said a man driving a dark-colored Toyota with a badge around his neck approached her car and asked for her driver’s license and registration.

“I’m the police,” he said, according to the police report. “Nothing is going to happen to you.”

She told the real police that as she lifted her wallet, he reached into the car, snatched it and ran. A short time later, Lynn police said they saw the suspected getaway car attempting to pull over a car on Chestnut Street, but when police turned around, the car sped off and disappeared.

Cops next spotted the suspect driving on Broad Street. He allegedly fled again, racing away at speeds up to 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, only to crash into a tree.

Alvarez tried to run away on foot but was captured. He was hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital for a head injury police said he sustained in the crash.

While cops were investigating, another woman reported being robbed by someone pretending to be a police officer. She said the person pulled her over and pointed a black gun at her, demanding her license and registration. She said the suspect then took her iPhone, hopped in his car and drove away. Then a third victim reported he was pulled over by a man using the same ruse, who grabbed his wallet and ran.

Inside Alvarez’s car cops said they found two iPhones, a Samsung phone, a Gucci bag, a strobe flashlight, a security officer’s badge with a holder and neck chain, a golden watch and a wallet with a floral pattern that matches the one taken from the first victim.