Suspect steals Bedford Park police squad car, US Postal Service truck, hits mother, 2 children in Bridgeview, officials say
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A man from the south suburbs has been charged with false impersonation of a police officer in Chicago.

The suspect, 21-year-old Willie Mathews Jr. of Matteson, was arrested Thursday for allegedly wearing police identifiers near an immigration enforcement protest outside of The Art Institute of Chicago in the Loop, according to CPD officials.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Matthews was arrested around 5:10 p.m. in the 200 block of South Michigan Avenue, Chicago police said.

Chopper 7 was over the scene of a protest denouncing recent ICE raids Thursday as it marched down the street in front of the Art Institute, located at 111 S. Michigan Ave., at the same time of the arrest nearby.

Matthews was arrested after he was “observed unlawfully wearing police identifiers,” Chicago police said. A weapon was recovered.

The suspect is facing felony charges for “False Personation/PC Officer/Weapon,” “Aggravated UPW/Person/Loaded/No FCCA” and “Forgery/Posses W/Intent To Deliver,” CPD said in a news release.

No further information was immediately available.

Matthews was scheduled to appear in court Sunday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Trump’s Executive Order Might Transform 401(k) Investment Strategies

New plans from employers could invest in alternative assets, particularly private equity,…

Brazilian President Declares: “I Will Not Humiliate Myself” in Talks with Trump

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he would not initiate…

Efforts Underway to Preserve Weiss Memorial Hospital in Uptown, Chicago as Medicare Funding Faces Termination This Saturday

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago hospital could be closing in a few…

Senator Tom Cotton Calls for Probe into Disputed Muslim Organization

According to one US senator, the largest Muslim charity in the United…

Trump Hosts Armenia and Azerbaijan Leaders for US-Mediated Peace Agreement Signing Live

WASHINGTON — The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan are expected to sign…

Crypto Traders Admit to Throwing Prank Items at WNBA Games

A group of cryptocurrency traders is taking credit for the series of…

BRYONY GORDON: My friend Meghan shouldn’t be labeled ‘difficult’

The first occasion I met Meghan Markle, she warmly embraced me with…

Kelly Clarkson Heartbroken for Children Following Brandon Blackstock’s Passing

Kelly Clarkson is reportedly “devastated” for her children after her ex-husband Brandon…