DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced today, Monday, October 20, 2025, that three suburban men have been charged with conspiring to impersonate a peace officer while traveling to numerous political protests last weekend. Jonathan Capp, age 22, of the 200 block of W. Harrison Avenue, Wheaton, Andrew Knight, age 24, of the 7300 block of Bayberry Lane, Darien, and Cole Sarros, age 26, of the 8800 block of Dryden Street, Woodridge, appeared in First Appearance court this morning each charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit False Personation of a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Unlawful Possession of Ammunition – No FOID. Following their court appearances, all three men were released pre-trial as the charges they face are non-detainable offenses.
According to the complaints filed against the men, it is alleged that on October 18, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Capp, Knight and Sarros conspired with each other in that they all agreed to “dress like peace officers” in that they each wore a tactical/ballistic vest “with the intent to appear to be a peace officer… while traveling to numerous political protests” and the men each “knowingly possessed firearm ammunition, being 9mm and .223 caliber ammunition without having in his possession a Firearm Owners Identification Card.” Additionally, according to the complaint against Capp, Capp wore a “camo face mask while in possession of an airsoft rifle and handgun without an orange tip that appeared to be legitimate firearms.” It is further alleged that authorities also found fake flash bangs and lighter fluid in their vehicle.
“Impersonating a peace officer is a serious crime that not only erodes public trust, but also has the potential to put legitimate officers at risk, particularly at a political protest. The allegations that these three defendants attempted to pass themselves off as peace officers while traveling to multiple political protests this past weekend are very serious and will be fully prosecuted” Berlin said. “Thanks to the heads-up police work by the Elmhurst Police Department, the defendants in this case were taken into custody prior to arriving at any protest. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Helen Kapas for their work in securing charges against these three defendants.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious offense that compromises public safety and damages trust in the many men and women who serve their communities with honor and integrity. Our department is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all residents, including during peaceful assembly, and I commend the swift and professional response of our officers who observed the suspicious men dressed in tactical gear and immediately took action to investigate. I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their legal guidance and support during the investigation of this incident.
— Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean
The next court appearance for each defendant is scheduled for November 17, 2025, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. As a condition of their release, each defendant is required to surrender all firearms, ammunition or other dangerous weapons to the Elmhurst Police Department.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
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