Hoffman Estates man charged with impersonating ATF agent
A Hoffman Estates man unlawfully claimed to be an ATF agent during an argument over a girlfriend at an Arlington Heights bar, authorities said Monday.
Paul C. Coy, 49, of the 1500 block of Brittany Lane, is charged with false impersonation of a police officer - a felony - along with misdemeanor charges of aggravated assault and carrying a concealed firearm in an establishment that serves alcohol.
The charges stem from a dispute between Coy and another patron of Somebody's Bar and Grill, 858 S. Arthur Ave., on the evening of Jan. 21. A bartender phoned police about 8:30 p.m., fearing the dispute could turn into a fistfight, police said.
Arlington Heights police Sgt. Andrew Blevins said the two men were arguing over a girlfriend when Coy displayed a badge indicating he was an ATF special agent. Police later contacted ATF officials, who confirmed Coy never worked for the agency.
When police arrived at the bar, Coy was in the parking lot, having been separated from the man with whom he was arguing. When questioned, he told officers he was an ATF agent and carrying a handgun, Blevins said.
The concealed firearm charge alleges Coy violated the state's concealed carry act by possessing a gun in an establishment that serves alcohol, Blevins said.
Coy is due in court Feb. 15.