Darien Man Impersonates Cops At Protests: Police

ELMHURST, IL – Three men, including one from Darien, were arrested Saturday after they impersonated police officers at political protests in Elmhurst and other places, authorities said.

Elmhurst officers noticed the three men were dressed in tactical gear and immediately investigated them, Police Chief Michael McLean said in a news release. He said DuPage County prosecutors then provided legal guidance.

The men were identified as Andrew Knight, 24, of Darien, Cole Sarros, 26, of Woodridge, and Jonathan Capp, 22, of Wheaton.

They were charged with felony conspiracy to commit false impersonation of a police officer and misdemeanor unlawful possession of ammunition (no firearm owner's identification cards).

They attended the "No Kings" protest in Elmhurst on Saturday afternoon, as well as others in the area, police said.

The trio conspired with each other by agreeing to dress like police officers while going to the anti-Trump demonstrations, authorities said.

Police said Capp wore a camo face mask while possessing an airsoft rifle and fake handgun, which appeared to be legitimate guns, police said.

Officers said they found fake flash bangs and lighter fluid in the men's car.

"Impersonating a peace officer is a serious crime that not only erodes public trust, but also has the potential to put legitimate officers at risk, particularly at a political protest," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. "The allegations that these three defendants attempted to pass themselves off as peace officers while traveling to multiple political protests this past weekend are very serious and will be fully prosecuted."