Cops Arrest Hempstead Fire Chief

MYFOXNY.COM - Michael Charles, 51, the chief of the Hempstead Fire Department, surrendered to the Nassau County Police Tuesday to face menacing charges, officials said.

Police said that Charles and two other men were riding around in fire department SUV on March 7 when they pulled over and ordered a pedestrian to stop.

Charles, who is accused of having a handgun on his hip, and another man from the SUV got out and searched the pedestrian, a 29-year-old man. The other man stood by with a shotgun and another man, Brian Schuck, 33, stayed inside the SUV with a shotgun protruding from the window, police said.

After Charles searched the man and checked his ID, the chief let him go, police said.

Police have charged Charles and Schuck with menacing and possession of a dangerous weapon. Detectives are still searching for the third suspect.

Charles pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. The judge released him without bail.

Defense attorney Paul Delle said his client is a former NYPD detective who was responding to a report of gunshots near the firehouse, the AP reported.