Peoria Man Dennis Walker Arrested for Impersonating Sheriff’s Deputy, Conducting Illegal Traffic Stop
Peoria man Dennis Walker, 43, was arrested Tuesday for impersonating a Peoria County Sheriff's deputy after conducting an illegal traffic stop. Investigators found fake police gear, weapons, and evidence of a prior Texas conviction for police impersonation.
A fake deputy, a cut license, and a Texas prison record
A 43-year-old Peoria man who pulled motorists over while pretending to be a Peoria County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested Tuesday after investigators found an arsenal of fake police gear at his home.
Dennis Walker, who also goes by Josh Coats, was taken into custody by Peoria County investigators and U.S. Marshals. According to Sheriff Chris Watkins, Walker faces four felony charges.
Walker is charged with:
- False Personation of a Police Officer
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Defaced Firearm
- No Valid FOID Card
The traffic stop that exposed him
The investigation began on May 27, when a victim reported being stopped near Plank Road and Eisele Drive by an individual claiming to be with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim told deputies the suspect was driving a black Ford Explorer with red and blue flashing lights on the front and no license plates. Walker was wearing an all-black uniform with no nameplates, no sheriff’s office patches, and no identifying insignia.
The victim stated that Walker allegedly told him that his driver’s license was suspended and then cut the license in half.
The victim knew their license was valid and told the suspect they would file a complaint with the Sheriff’s Office. Walker allegedly fled the scene.
A home full of police paraphernalia
Watkins said a search of Walker’s residence uncovered items that painted a picture of someone who had been preparing to impersonate law enforcement for some time.
Investigators allegedly found:
- 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 and leg shackles
- A realistic pellet handgun
- A pepper spray launcher
A history of impersonation
This is not Walker’s first encounter with law enforcement. Watkins said Walker had an active Peoria County warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery. He also had previously gone to prison in Texas for impersonating a police officer.
The victim identified Walker in a photo lineup, which led investigators to his arrest on Tuesday.
Watkins did not announce how long Walker had been conducting the fake traffic stops or whether other motorists were targeted before the May 27 incident.
Walker is expected to be booked through the Peoria County jail system. His next court date has not been announced.