A tow truck driver was charged with a felony after police said he claimed to be an off-duty Lake County Sheriff’s deputy during an apparent road rage incident with a taxi on Route 41 near Lake Forest.
Eric D. Shaver, 30, of the 200 block of Countryside Lane in Lindenhurst, was charged with felony impersonating a police officer.
The Lake Forest Police Department said that officers responded on June 16 around 9:11 p.m. to Route 41 and Old Elm Road.
A taxi driver called 911 after a tow truck driver, later identified as Shaver, told the taxi driver that he was an off-duty Lake County sheriff’s deputy. Shaver then engaged in a verbal confrontation with the taxi driver, police said.
Police were able to identify Shaver by the company name on the side of his tow truck. The case was reviewed by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, who approved the felony charge against Shaver.
An arrest warrant was issued and Shaver turned himself in to the Lake Forest Police Department. During an interview with police, Shaver told them the taxi driver had cut his truck off and was driving erratically before the argument ensued at the stoplight.
Shaver was processed and released on bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 18.