East Meadow man arrested for menacing with a gun, police say

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An East Meadow man is facing menacing charges after an argument with a neighbor ended with him revealing a handgun in his waistband. 

According to Nassau County police, Joseph Nesto, 71, was in a confrontation with a neighbor on July 30 around 2:30 p.m. when Nesto said he was a police officer and lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun in his waistband.

The 35-year old victim asked to see police identification, but Nesto then left the scene. The victim then called 911.

After police arrived and conducted an investigation, they found that Nesto is a valid Nassau County pistol license with a “Target /Hunting” permit. He was subsequently arrested without incident.

Nesto is being charged with second-degree menacing, second-degree criminal impersonation and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned on July 30 in the Town of Hempstead First District Court.

—Brian Stieglitz