Crime & Safety

Police: Gang Member Who Impersonated Police in Car Chase Arrested

Joseph Calamia of Melrose Park activated blue and red flashing lights when being chased by police, River Forest police say.

A Latin Kings gang member was arrested last week, two weeks after he refused to pull over for River Forest police and activated flashing lights within his car to impersonate an officer as he fled, police said.

The initial incident happened Dec. 10 when River Forest police were asked to help a neighboring department and tried to stop Joseph Calamia, who was driving near Lathrop and Chicago Avenue, according to a release from the department. He had outstanding warrents for assault and drug possession.

Calamia, of Melrose Park, fled police. He also used a devise to block his rear license plate and activated red and blue flashing lights in his car to impersonate a police officer, the department said. Because he was driving recklessly and due to the weather conditions at the time, the police stopped chasing him when he left River Forest.

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However, River Forest police worked with the Melrose Park Police Department, who arrested him Dec. 27. Police said he fought the arresting officer, and was then turned over to River Forest.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with felony aggravated fleeing charges, police said. He was also charged with 11 vehicle code violations and was processed on the two outstanding warrants.

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He has a prior aggravated fleeing conviction and is a registered Latin Kings gang member, police said.

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