S. Elgin man charged in hoax

A 25-year-old man who was probably upset that a credit card company denied his application caused a white powder scare in South Elgin, authorities said.

Stephen G. Wieczorek of 65 S. River St. was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony disorderly conduct.

Authorities said Wieczorek made a false report when he called at about 11:30 a.m. to report a credit card application mailed to his apartment near East State and River streets contained a white powder.

He claimed dizziness and a shortness of breath. He was taken to Sherman Hospital.

South Elgin Sgt. Mike Doty said crews determined the powder was cornstarch.

"It involved issues going on with him," Doty said, adding that Wieczorek confessed.

South Elgin Fire Chief Joe Cluchey said two trucks, two ambulances and a special operations trailer responded. The department plans to seek at least $750 restitution.

He said additional ambulances from the area had to be called in to man the district's other station.

"We have to assume everything is a threat until we can rule things out," he said.

Wieczorek has a 2002 speeding ticket in Kane County, but admitted in bond court Wednesday that he spent time in jail for impersonating a police officer.