Hoffman Estates man charged with impersonating officer

A Cook County judge set bail at $10,000 Thursday for a Hoffman Estates man who authorities say impersonated a police officer while waiting in the drive-through lane at a Walgreens store.

Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Kathryn Roy said Charles Poremba approached the driver in the vehicle ahead of him about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday and told her to get out of the line and pick up her prescription inside the store. Poremba displayed a plastic badge that read "deputy sheriff" and told the driver she should "watch out," Roy said.

Cook County Assistant Public Defender Melissa Wright said the 56-year-old Poremba is an honorably discharged Gulf War veteran. Prosecutors say he has no criminal background.

If convicted of the class 4 felony, Poremba faces one to three years in prison. Probation is also available. He next appears in court on April 30.