Cop impersonators held in NYC robbery

NEW YORK, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- New York City police say they arrested two suspects, both accused of impersonating police officers, in a violent Christmas Eve home-invasion robbery in Queens.

Constantino Christo, 43, and Nicholas Papaleo, 33, allegedly forced their their way into the home where four young children were asleep, the Queens district attorney said.

The New York Post said Tuesday that the suspects allegedly used plastic handcuffs to bind Robert Kapovic and his wife, Deidre Capone, while they ransacked the home and made off with $50,000 in cash, jewelry and Christmas presents.

The pair allegedly flashed authentic-looking badges and wore vests bearing the New York Police Department logo.

Kapovic was allegedly pistol-whipped during the robbery but was able to free himself and pursue the robbers in his car. Police used the vehicle's OnStar system to locate Kapovic and swooped in to make the arrests.