Ex-Lakemoor patrolman charged with DUI, false personation

The Lakemoor police badge Keith A. Albert brought with him to Sunset Meadows Park was no fake, according to Arlington Heights police.

Albert, 45, of the 900 block of West Cedar Lane in Arlington Heights, was charged with false personation of a police officer, driving under the influence and transportation of open alcohol on Thursday.

On Friday, Albert, a former Lakemoor patrolman, was released without having to post bail after Albert's parents told Cook County Judge Kay Hanlon that Albert would enter an alcohol rehab program, said Capt. Nicholas Pecora of the Arlington Heights Police Department.

Police believe Albert was the one who flashed what looked like a Lakemoor police badge and tried to talk to children at Sunset Meadows Park on Wednesday. The next day, a resident called police at around 10 a.m. after seeing a suspect at the same park who matched the description provided in news reports.

Originally, police thought Albert's Lakemoor police badge was fake, but now they say it was the real thing.

Albert was a Lakemoor patrolman from 1993-1999, according to Lakemoor Police Chief Rick Iverson.

"When he left, he left on his own; he wasn't fired," Iverson said. "I believe he told our village president he was going to another agency, but I'm not sure which one."

Lakemoor Village President Ryan "Todd" Weihofen didn't return phone calls on Friday.

Along with the Lakemoor badge, Arlington Heights police found a Lake County sheriff's police marine unit ID card in Albert's vehicle. However, they weren't able to confirm if he was a member of the marine unit.

Albert's next court date is Sept. 10 in Rolling Meadows.