Aurora man charged with impersonating police officer

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- Jesus Avilas, 32, of Aurora was charged with impersonating a police officer Aurora police said he tried to pass himself off as a U.S. Marshal at a gas station.

Police said Avilas went to the gas station around 7 a.m. on Oct. 3 and asked for a pump to be turned on. When the station clerk hesitated, police said Avilas produced a badge and identified himself as a U.S. Marshal. Police said Avilas then pumped about $37 worth of gas and left without paying. The clerk wrote down his license plate number and called the police.

Police said an investigator assigned to the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force spotted Avilas' vehicle and arrested him.

Police said they discovered badges, police paraphernalia and a replica handgun in a search of his home.

Investigators believe Avila may have attempted impersonating law enforcement before, and are asking any witnesses or anyone with information to call Aurora Police Investigations at 630-256-5500.