Prosecutors: Convicted Felon Caught Impersonating Chicago Police Officer
(CBS) -- He wore a Chicago Police uniform, had a gun, badge and bullet-proof vest, but police say he's not an officer.
CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports a woman who has a child with the man saw him at their child's school wearing a Chicago Police uniform. She knew he wasn't an officer so she told a friend who contacted police.
Charles Wade was arrested outside his home Sunday night. In court, prosecutors said in his car, police found a Chicago Police sweater, a CPD star as well as a two-way radio, handcuffs and a loaded gun.
Officers also found business cards saying Wade was assigned to the 5th District, but Chicago Police he is not and has not ever been a Chicago officer. In fact, he's a convicted felon.
In court the prosecution says Wade told investigators he bought the vest and star for $200 from a guy he would not identify and only used the uniform only while working security jobs.
One of the officers who helped to catch Wade says it's very unsettling that a felon would be able to get his hands on so much official police gear.
"My first concern is the citizens of Chicago," said Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala. "It's going to be a dangerous situation to be approached by an individual who is not a police officer, but who is portraying himself to be. It's very dangerous and my first concern would be for the citizens."
Wade is being held on a $100,000 bond. If he bonds out, the judge said he will be on home confinement and is not allowed to be in possession of any law enforcement gear.
As for the gear he had when arrested, Chicago Police are still investigating how he got it.
