OKALOOSA COUNTY, FL (WDNews) – Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 69-year-old Shalimar man on November 4 after he allegedly pulled a driver over on Highway 98 while pretending to be a federal officer. Salvatore Gruny was using a Dodge Charger equipped with flashing red, white, and blue lights to pull over a vehicle, prompting the driver to call 911 to report a possible police impersonator.
Gruny, who reportedly claimed he was with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, showed deputies an identification card for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) when questioned. He told authorities he stopped the vehicle due to reckless driving, and deputies found he was carrying a loaded 9mm handgun on his hip.
The victim recalled Gruny claiming he was “with the government” while displaying his ONI badge and firearm. According to ONI, Gruny has received prior warnings for similar behavior. Now retired, Gruny faces charges that include impersonating a federal officer, illegal use of blue lights, and use of a firearm during a felony.
Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized that traffic stops by unmarked vehicles are rare in Okaloosa County. “If you’re pulled over here, it’s typically by someone in a green and white patrol car with visible blue lights,” Aden stated. He advised anyone uncertain about a traffic stop’s legitimacy to contact the sheriff’s office dispatch for immediate verification.
