An Aurora police officer fired a single shot Tuesday morning while confronting a driver who police say had been posing as a law-enforcement officer. The bullet hit the man’s car but did not strike anyone, and paramedics reported no injuries. Officers arrested a 48-year-old Aurora man at the scene, and the officer involved was taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to the department.
911 call and response
The incident started with a 911 call shortly after 9:30 a.m. about a driving dispute near Jackson Street and East Benton Street. The caller told dispatch that the other driver had displayed a gun and claimed to be law enforcement while trying to pull him over. Officers later located both vehicles and contacted the man described by the caller. As reported by CBS Chicago, investigators were canvassing nearby businesses for video and witnesses.
What happened at the scene
Authorities say officers found the vehicles at Fourth Avenue and South State Street, where the driver in question was standing outside his car. During that encounter, an officer discharged one round that struck the man’s vehicle. No one was hit, and Aurora Fire Department paramedics determined the man was uninjured. Police then took him into custody pending further investigation. The timeline and details are outlined by NBC Chicago.
Investigation underway
The department’s Deadly Force Investigative Team is leading the review of the officer’s use of force, and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division at 630-256-5500. Officers canvassed the area for surveillance footage and witnesses as part of the probe. FOX 32 Chicago reports the suspect had no known affiliation with any law enforcement agency.
Potential charges
Under Illinois law, knowingly and falsely claiming to be a peace officer is a criminal offense that can carry felony penalties. A false personation conviction is generally a Class 4 felony, and the penalty increases if the impersonator carried a deadly weapon. Whether prosecutors ultimately file charges will depend on the evidence gathered in the investigation and review by the prosecutor’s office. The statute is codified in the state Criminal Code, per the Illinois General Assembly.
How to protect yourself
Police impersonation attempts can be dangerous, and the Illinois Rules of the Road urges drivers who are unsure about an unmarked vehicle to call 911, turn on hazard lights, and either pull into a well-lit, populated area or drive to the nearest police station rather than stopping alone. The Secretary of State’s driving guide also recommends keeping doors locked and signaling that you intend to comply while dispatch verifies the officer’s identity. More guidance is available in the state’s Illinois Rules of the Road.
