Real West Chicago police looking for cop imposter

West Chicago police are investigating a man who is impersonating a police officer, carrying handcuffs and possibly a handgun.

At about 10 p.m. Sunday, a 19 year-old man reported to police that he was pulled over near Kress Road and Downs Drive by a male driving a black Ford Crown Victoria. The suspect flashed his high-beams at the witness, police said, prompting him to pull to the side of the road.

Police said the suspect was cordial throughout the encounter and told the witness he had been stopped for suspicious driving. The suspect ultimately asked permission to search the witness' car. After the witness consented, the suspect placed him in the rear of the Crown Victoria. When he finished the search, the suspect released the witness with an admonishment concerning his driving.

Police reports said the suspect wore a dark blue police uniform with no name tag or badge, and the uniform shirt displayed what appeared to be a police patch on the left shoulder. The suspect also wore police-style belt with a holster and handcuffs visible, officials said. The witness told police there appeared to be a handgun in the holster.

Police say the suspect is a white male, approximately 50 years old with short, gray and brown hair. He stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 220 pounds. Reports said he had a slightly unkempt appearance, including a five-o'clock shadow beard growth.

His black Ford Crown Victoria is a 2000-2001 model design, police said, with push bars on the front bumper and black, five-spoke aftermarket rims with a small, silver center hub.

Anyone with information concerning the identity of this man is encouraged to call the West Chicago Police Department at (630) 293-2222.