Gary Man Charged with Impersonating a Police Officer In Munster
On December 16, 2024, the Munster Police Department was contacted regarding a report of a confrontation with someone who had identified himself as a police officer, according to charging documents.
The reporting party advised the officer that, prior to coming to the Munster Police Station, he had been at the Mobil in the 300 block of Ridge Road. While at the gas station, the reporting party indicated that he had gotten into an argument with another person. The reporting party stated that, as he was walking into the store, there was an older, skinny black male, approximately in his 60’s, who was blocking the doorway. The reporting party stated that he wanted to get in and get his cigarettes, so he slipped around the suspect without making any physical contact with him. According to court documents, the suspect then said something to him about not even saying excuse me. The reporting party indicated that he replied to the suspect, and then the verbal confrontation ensued. The reporting party stated the suspect subsequently pulled out and displayed a wallet, which contained a gold badge, and then threatened to take him to jail. According to the reporting party, the suspect then told him to meet outside to fight, and then the suspect exited the store. When the reporting party walked outside of the store, the suspect was standing at the open passenger front door to his vehicle. The vehicle was a late model gray sedan, possibly a Honda.
The reporting party stated that, after he exited the store, the verbal altercation continued. During the argument, the suspect, without justification, said, “look at this” and produced a black pistol. The reporting party stated the suspect initially just held the gun down by his hip, but he eventually raised the pistol and pointed it at the reporting party’s chest.
During the investigation, the Munster Officers were able to speak with a witness at the gas station where this had taken place. The witness was able to corroborate the victim’s statements. Officers reviewed License Plate Reader records from the surrounding area, as well as surveillance video from the location of the incident.
According to court documents, the Munster Police Department was not able to find any indication of the suspect, now identified as David Fossett, being a currently sworn police officer or having arrest powers.
On March 7, 2025, David L. Fossett was charged with:
Impersonation of a Public Servant def. poses as a law enforcement officer: F6 Felony
Intimidation: F6 Felony
Pointing Firearm at Another Person: Class A Misdemeanor
