14-Year-Old Fakes Way Onto Chicago PD

Boy showed up in official uniform, arrested

Monday, Jan 26, 2009  |  Updated 2:38 PM CST
View Comments ()
|
Email
|
Print
14-Year-Old Fakes Way Onto Chicago PD

A 14-year-old boy showed up at a South Side police station in full uniform until he was caught and charged with impersonating an officer.

advertisement
Photos and Videos

Fake Cop Only 14-Years Old

More Photos and Videos

A 14-year-old boy showed up for work as a Chicago police officer over the weekend, went out on part of a shift and ended up charged with impersonating an officer.

And he has reportedly done it before. 

Rev. Roosevelt Watkins, a South Side Minister who took in the 14-year-old for 11 months after the boy’s mother kicked him out of the house for being defiant, told a Chicago radio station he wasn't surprised.

Watkins told WBBM the teen was arrested in 2007 for impersonating a police officer and again last month at the Ford City shopping mall while wearing a police uniform.

On Sunday, Chicago Police say  the boy came dressed up in a regulation uniform and worked five hours of a shift at the Grand Crossing District police station.

He reportedly was able to get a police radio, ticket book and ride with an officer for several hours before being questioned by a sergeant who realized his true identity. Because the boy had been in a "police explorer" program where he shadowed officers, he was able to follow procedures with out being noticed.   

The department's internal affairs division is investigating.

Posted Monday, Jan 26, 2009 - 12:21 PM CST
Leave Comments
What's New
NBCChicago Nonstop
Take in some highlights from the newest member of the NBCChicago family. Or find our digital channel on Comcast Channel 341; WOW Channel 130 or RCN Channel 50.
Follow Us
Sign up to receive news and updates that matter to you.
Send Us Your Story Tips
Check Out