Ormond Beach, FL - Osteopath Dr. Jerrold Ecklind, 37, likes to pretend to be a cop. But is he a serial killer? That’s what police are investigating, as some really weird events unfold around the genial geriatric specialist. Ecklind, 37, was pulled over last SundaySunday reviews night. In his Mustang, he had a known prostitute named Gina Oslizlo, a pair of handcuffs, and three guns.  Oh, and he’d told Oslizlo that he was a police officer.

So maybe Ecklind’s just a perv, right? He actually had interrupted a fight between Oslizlo and another man, and she had jumped into his car voluntarily to get away from the argument. Ecklind told the other guy he was a cop, pointed a gun at him, and took off with Gina in the car. Then he told Gina Oslizlo he wasn’t kidding, he really was a cop, and tossed her the handcuffs – which he had on him – to put on.  She, thinking he was either a perv or undercover, declined to comply.   So when the actual police pulled Ecklind over, they found weapons, the handcuffs, and a very nervous hooker.  Ecklind was wearing one of the guns on his hip.

Thing is, there have been four murders in the Ormond Beach area in the past three years that flagged police interest in Dr. Ecklind. In all four, the women were shot. Police are playing it close to the chest, but it appears that at least some of the victims were possible or known prostitutes who were picked up, possibly handcuffed, and then assaulted and shot to death. So it was kind of weird that the good doctor had those particular items in his vehicle.

I mean, really. Why would a doctor want to pretend to be a cop? Cops are cool, no doubt, but doctors generally can get any hooker they want because the bankroll talks. And given that his home was described by detectives as “expansive” and his professional credentials are pretty decent for a guy under forty, you’d think he could get his own play without flashing a gun and the cuffs unless he’s either seriously kinky or something more sinister.

Ecklind’s attorneys are hoping for “kinky”. Ecklind provided a DNA sample to police during a MarchMarch reviews 31 traffic stop that nobody wants to talk about. And although Ecklind owns some 40 firearms, police searching his home didn’t find the murder weapon used in three of the murders. Obviously, it’s early yet. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. But at best, everybody in town now knows that Dr. Ecklind has more than a gentle bedside manner going on. At worst, he may be responsible for the deaths of at least four women.

If I were Gina Oslizlo, I’d call this one a chance for a new start and move out of Florida entirely. Maybe go back to school, get that cosmetology certification, and open up a nice salon somewhere way, way away from anything resembling a street corner.

Ecklind has pled not guilty to charges of aggravated assault, impersonating a police officer and false imprisonment. Originally held on $25,000 bond, Ecklind paid up and bailed out last Monday. He’s already back at work in his Ormond Beach medical practice. Anyone need a doctor’s appointment?

Thanks, UnamusedCat!