Wisconsin 'Gangland' Fan Tries To Bribe Police, Fails
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An Eau Claire, Wis., History Channel buff who got busted on the South Side apparently thought he could get out of trouble by offering police a $100,000 bribe to let him go.
But Christopher Parker's scheme backfired.
Parker, 24, was charged with felony attempted bribery, felony unlawful use of a weapon, possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses, according to Gresham District police Lt. John Francis. He was expected in court Thursday.
Parker was behind the wheel of a 2002 Ford Explorer that was pulled over by police about 1 a.m. Wednesday in the 7800 block of South Lowe Avenue because the sport-utility vehicle only had one headlight, the lieutenant said.
The lieutenant said Parker announced he was a History channel fan, and had a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber semi automatic handgun, cannabis and $3,000 cash inside the SUV.
According to the arrest report, Parker allegedly said, "I'm a dumbass white boy from Wisconsin, I watch 'Gangland' and I came to the South Side of Chicago to act like a big baller.''
He also allegedly offered officers $100,000 to let him go, but was arrested instead, the lieutenant said.
The lieutenant said Parker told arresting officers he borrowed the gun for protection because he was "scared" to be driving on the South Side.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
