Man Arrested for Fake Handicapped Placard Accused of Carrying Loaded Handgun: Police Blotter

FRIDAY, AUG. 24

Fake Handicapped Placard, Loaded Handgun

Rudolph E. Tarant, 71, of the 10400 block of Blaisdell Street in Boulder Junction, WI, was arrested around 1:57 p.m. outside a business in the 1500 block of Butterfield Road, police said. 

While on patrol, an officer observed a black Chevrolet Suburban with Wisconsin plates parked and unoccupied in a handicapped parking space. The officer also noticed a "permanent" Illinois handicapped placard in the front window that appeared to be held in place by Velcro. The holes punched in the card indicated it was issued to a female born in December 1939, police said.

According to the report, the placard was missing verbiage normally visible, had incorrect font for the year 2014, as well as a holograph that was the wrong the size. After running a check with the Illinois Secretary of State's office, the officer determined the placard was fraudulent.

A man, later identified as Tarant, approached police, and asked if there was a problem. After a brief discussion with the officers, he was placed under arrest regarding possession of a fraudulent handicapped placard.

While handcuffing Tarant, police noticed a loaded handgun magazine in the side pocket of the driver's door, according to the report. With Tarant's permission, a .38-caliber handgun was recovered from the vehicle. It had one round of chambered ammunition, plus six rounds in the magazine, police said.

Tarant was charged with one count of unlawful use of weapons for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and one count of possession of a fraudulent handicapped placard. He was issued a Sept. 26 court date.

Looking for more Downers Grove crime news?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

There are plenty of ways to keep up on  news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take.