Jefferson City man charged after allegedly stealing car, impersonating police officer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man faces multiple charges after allegedly stealing a car from the Missouri Department of Transportation parking lot in Jefferson City.

William Brooke, 50, is charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. He is being held in the Cole County Jail without bond. A court date has not been set.

Brooke allegedly took a 2001 Honda Accord on Saturday and drove off with it, according to the probable cause statement. On Sunday, the vehicle was found at the Capital Mall by the owner’s friend.

When law enforcement was searching the vehicle for evidence, Brooke allegedly approached the officer and asked if there was a problem, the statement says. The officer told him the vehicle was stolen. Brooke allegedly said the owner loaned him the car, but did not identify the victim.

Brooke allegedly said he was a cop and flashed a “small gold item in his hand” that he said was a badge, the probable cause statement says. When the officer on the scene asked to see the item, Brooke allegedly refused and said he was a “government asset.”

The officer tried to arrest Brooke, but he ran away. Brooke was later found and arrested at Candlewood Suites in Jefferson City, the statement says.