File photo: Jeep Grand Cherokee up to 1995 model. Newer models have more curves at headlights.
Arlington Heights police responded to two incidents Sunday of people in a sport utility vehicle — possibly a Jeep Cherokee — with a siren pulling over vehicles and impersonating a police officer. Buffalo Grove police were also aware of an ‘impersonating a police officer’ incident in Buffalo Grove. The three incidents occurred after nightfall in both villages covering two consecutive nights.
Area police officers were alerted about 2:05 a.m. Sunday that — at about 1:45 a.m. — the offending driver of a vehicle described as a tan Jeep Cherokee, with a siren, pulled over a black 1998 Chevy Cavalier near North Phelps and Oakton Street — an area that is not well illuminated by street lights. The offender walked up to the door of the Cavalier, identified himself as a Prospect Heights police officer and asked the female driver to exit the vehicle. The female driver asked for the offender’s badge, which caused the offender to return to his vehicle and leave the area. The offender was described as a male/black, 5’7″ 200 LBS, 20-30 years old, clean shaven, with short hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt with blue markings and carrying a flashlight. The victim waited for police near Oakton and Waterman (Oakton meets Waterman at Rand Road).
Buffalo Grove police reported a similar incident of a male/black offender in a black Jeep Cherokee that stopped several motorcyclists near the IHOP, 51 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove and asked if they were riding stolen bikes. That incident reportedly occurred about the same time as the first Arlington Heights incident. The Buffalo Grove police officer communicated with the Arlington Heights police officer to make him aware of the similarity of the two incidents.
In the second Arlington Heights incident, area police officers were alerted just before 11:50 p.m. Sunday that the offending driver of a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with a blue strobe light and siren attempted to pull over a victim by cutting off his vehicle at East Hintz Road near North Buffalo Grove Road. The offender then pulled behind the victim, yelling “pull over.” When the victim failed to stop, the offender threw a bottle at the victim’s vehicle. The offender was described as a male/black, about 20-years-old, with short hair. The Jeep Cherokee also had two or three other males in the vehicle. The Jeep Cherokee was last seen heading westbound on Hintz Road.
Any citizens with information about the incidents can submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and a message to 847411 (tip411), or can call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
I better be careful! lol