Sheriff: Zion man impersonated police officer, tried to buy gun

A Zion man has been charged with a felony after police said he impersonated a police officer and tried to buy a gun, authorities said Tuesday.

Marquise C. Lewis, 21, was charged Monday with false personation of a peace officer, a class 4 felony. Lewis spent Monday night in jail and was released Tuesday morning on a $25,000 recognizance bond, Lake County sheriff's office spokesman Christopher Covelli said.

According to police, officers were called to 5 Star Firearms, at 41666 N. Sheridan Road just south of Winthrop Harbor, at around 6:15 p.m. A store employee said Lewis had entered the store, attempted to purchase a firearm and identified himself as a police officer while presenting a badge. The employee doubted Lewis' story and called 911.

The officers confirmed that Lewis was not a police officer and arrested him.

Lewis was scheduled to be back in court on July 11.