Burglar Impersonates Cop, Forces Citizen To Ground In Glenview: Police

GLENVIEW, IL — A Glenview man with nine felony convictions is accused of several more crimes following a series of incidents Saturday in the 4500 block of West Lake Avenue. According to police, Gerald Hacker, 41, of the 500 block of Cherry Lane, is accused of felony burglary, impersonating a police officer, possession of a controlled substance, along with a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault, and was arrested Saturday evening.

Hacker broke into a car through the window at around 10:45 p.m. in the 1800 block of Potter Road, according to Mary McMahon, assistant state's attorney for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Witnesses, who saw him inside, said he was rummaging through the car and tossing items.

Hacker then ran away on foot and encountered a pedestrian out on a walk in the 4500 block of West Lake Avenue. He pulled an object out of his pocket and pointed it at the person, according to CCSAO. The pedestrian, who believed the object was a weapon, said Hacker told him, "I'm the police. Get on the ground." Hacker pushed the pedestrian to the ground and ran away.

Police found Hacker, who had blood on his hand, and there was blood in the front passenger area of the car. He was arrested. Police later found narcotics during a search of the car.

Hacker's most recent arrest for a felony crime was a burglary in 2020. In 2018, Hacker and his twin brother, Jonathan, were arrested in connection with a car burglary in Glenview. Last June, Jonathan Hacker was the victim of a homicide in unincorporated Glenview.

Bond for Hacker, who is currently in jail, was set at $10,000. His next court date is scheduled for April 25. Associate Judge Anthony Calabrese also asked Hacker not to have any contact with any witnesses in the case.