Mokena Teen Accused of Lifting Wallet Claims to Be Cop

MOKENA, IL — A Mokena man accused of stealing another man’s wallet pretended to be a police officer—just before using the victim’s credit card to buy some booze and smokes.

Police say Brian Rudnicki, 19, took the wallet during a party at Super 8, 9485 W. 191st. St. The 28-year-old victim left the room and came back to find his wallet—pitched into the toilet tank—missing $60, his license and credit cards.

The victim suspected Rudnicki, who had allegedly watched him put the wallet in his jacket pocket, but Rudnicki insisted they ”pat down” everyone else in the room. He claimed he was a “Will County Sheriff and a narcotics officer,” with a gun, badge and handcuffs in his car.

Rudnicki then drove away while the victim called police. He returned later after a call from the cops. Police searched the car and found a ”police-style vest with duty belt with handcuffs,” and a black pellet gun that looked like a 9-millimeter handgun, and a portable radio marked as property of Union Pacific Railroad. Also in the car were a marijuana pipe, a case of Coors light, a bottle of whiskey, and a carton of cigarettes.

The cigarettes and liquor had been charged to the victim’s bank card.

Rudnicki of the 19400 block of Foxford Lane in Mokena, was arrested on charges of theft, unauthorized use of a credit card, purchase or possession of alcohol by a minor, and possession of drug paraphernalia.