Man Accused Of Impersonating Officer Had Badge, Stun Gun: Police

BENSENVILLE, IL — A 53-year-old Broadview man is accused of impersonating a police officer after a driver said the man flashed red and blue lights at him in an attempt to pull him over, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Edward Bufford is charged with one count of false impersonation of a peace officer, unlawful use of weapons and possession of oscillating, rotating or flashing lights in motor vehicles, court records show. The latter charge applies to red, blue or strobe lights that would distract or confuse other drivers.

Prosecutors said Edward Bufford was pulled over after the driver refused to stop for him and later flagged down an actual policeman. Bufford was wearing a U.S. Postal Service jacket, a belt mounted holster and a black police vest with handcuffs, a chain, a badge and a stun gun, police said. The officer also said they found a BB gun while searching the front area of Bufford's car.

According to police, Bufford told officers he was a law enforcement officer for the U.S. Postal Service, then claimed he was a part of the Canadian Pacific Railway, but was unable to show credentials.

Bufford is currently held on $25,000 bail. He is set to be back in court on Aug. 30.