A routine traffic stop in Frankfort, Illinois, turned into a lengthy police investigation after a driver allegedly claimed to be a federal drug enforcement agent and presented credentials that officers later determined were fake.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Edward Kajmowicz of Burr Ridge, was arrested on October 19 following a traffic stop near La Grange Road and Lincoln-Way Lane. Newly released body camera footage has now provided a closer look at the unusual encounter, which lasted more than 30 minutes.
Fake DEA Badge Raises Questions During Traffic Stop
Officers initially stopped Kajmowicz while he was driving a Honda CR-V. One of the first issues they noticed was that the vehicle’s license plate was registered to a BMW rather than the Honda he was driving.
During the conversation, an officer noticed a law enforcement-style badge attached to Kajmowicz’s wallet. When questioned about it, he claimed to have been associated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
However, the officer became suspicious after checking his information through police systems. The search revealed that Kajmowicz’s Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card had been revoked.
The revocation raised additional concerns, particularly after officers questioned him about whether he carried a firearm while working for the agency he claimed to represent.
Actual DEA Agent Helps Verify His Identity
As the traffic stop continued, additional officers arrived at the scene. Police also contacted an active DEA agent to help determine whether Kajmowicz was genuinely connected to the federal agency.
The verification process reportedly confirmed that he had never been employed by the DEA.
Despite officers questioning his claimed position, Kajmowicz continued to maintain that he was a federal agent. His explanations reportedly changed during the encounter, eventually leading him to acknowledge that he was not a DEA agent.
Police Discover Handgun Despite Revoked FOID Card
The situation became more serious when officers searched the SUV and discovered a semi-automatic handgun.
According to police, Kajmowicz possessed the firearm despite his FOID card having previously been revoked. Illinois requires individuals to hold a valid FOID card to legally possess firearms and ammunition under state law, subject to applicable legal exceptions.
The discovery resulted in an additional weapons-related charge alongside the allegation of impersonating a public officer.
Court Appearance Scheduled for November
Kajmowicz faces two charges: impersonating a public officer and unlawful possession of weapons.
The investigation involved cooperation between Frankfort police and federal DEA personnel, who helped verify that the suspect had no employment history with the agency.
He is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit Court on November 9, 2026. The upcoming court proceeding will allow the case to move forward through the legal process.
The charges remain allegations, and Kajmowicz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
