Trooper Hamed was able to catch up to the vehicle and clocked the vehicle traveling at over 90 mph on a posted 55 mph interstate. The vehicle was also observed driving recklessly with the emergency lighting activated, causing other motorists to yield (as required by state statute) for a vehicle operating with emergency lights. As Trooper Hamed followed the vehicle, he was able to run a computer license check of the license plate which showed that it was not an actual law enforcement vehicle. Trooper Hamed then passed the Jeep to observe inside the vehicle. The Jeep then passed the trooper, not realizing that it was an actual police vehicle, an unmarked Dodge Charger. A traffic stop was initiated and the vehicle abruptly stopped on the left shoulder at the 0.3 mile-marker. As the trooper approached the vehicle, he observed the driver frantically trying to unplug the flashing lights from the power outlet. Trooper Hamed immediately asked the driver to exit the vehicle and placed him under arrest. Further investigation revealed that the driver had always wanted to be a cop since he had been a junior cadet with a police department in Illinois. The driver was incarcerated at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point.
The driver has been identified as Collin J. Hamlin, 21 years old from Lansing, IL. He is facing the following charges:
- Impersonation of a Law Enforcement Officer, Level 6 Felony
- Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
- Emergency Lights on an Unauthorized Private Vehicle, Class C Infraction
- Unsafe Lane Movement, Class C Infraction
- Following Too Closely, Class C Infraction
*All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court*