PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. – A man impersonating a Peoria County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested.
Sheriff Chris Watkins says 43-year-old Dennis Walker, who also goes by Josh Coats, was arrested on Tuesday by Peoria County investigators and US Marshals.
Walker is charged with False Personation of a Police Officer, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, and No Valid FOID Card.
On May 27th, a victim reported to deputies that they were stopped by an individual claiming to be with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office near Plank Road and Eisele Drive.
The victim reported the suspect, later identified as Walker, was reportedly driving a black Ford Explorer with red and blue flashing lights on the front, and no license plates. Walker allegedly was wearing an all-black uniform with no nameplates, sheriff’s office patches, or identifying insignia.
The victim stated that Walker allegedly told him that his driver’s license was suspended and then cut the license in half. Walker then allegedly fled the scene after the victim stated they were going to file a complaint with the Sheriff’s Office, because they knew their license was valid.
Walker was identified as the suspect after the victim identified him in a photo lineup.
Watkins says a search of Walker’s residence allegedly turned up an AR 15 rifle with a defaced serial number, several metal badges, a vest resembling law enforcement body armor, pants with law enforcement style equipment attachments, handcuffs, leg shackles, a realistic pellet handgun, and a pepper spray launcher.
Watkins adds that Walker had a Peoria County warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery, and had gone to prison in Texas for impersonating a police officer.
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