Man impersonated police officer, wanted $500 from boy's mum: police

A man has been charged after allegedly impersonating a police officer and demanding $500 from a teenager's mum in Sydney's inner west.

At about midday on Friday, a 16-year-old boy at a supermarket in Forest Lodge was accosted by a man who allegedly said he was a police officer and showed a silver badge in a black leather wallet.

The man allegedly accused the boy of stealing and took him to an office at the rear of the store.

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A short time later, the boy's mother attended the supermarket and the man allegedly demanded $500 from her.

She purchased a gift card from the store.

Police were told of the incident that afternoon and began investigating.

A 59-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple offences including impersonating a police officer and assault.

He was bailed and will appear in court on July 23.

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