Police: Marion man impersonated state trooper at Pizza Hut
MADISON, Ind. (WISH) — A Marion man who said he was a state trooper as he complained about service at Pizza Hut is awaiting formal charges of impersonating a public servant, Indiana State Police said Friday.
James L. Keirstead, 44, in February caused a disturbance at the Pizza Hut on Clifty Drive in the Ohio River city of Madison, about 70 miles southeast of Indianapolis. During the disturbance, Keirstead told employees of the restaurant that he was a state trooper.
Later in February and March, multiple Pizza Hut employees had more contact with Keirstead, the state police said in a news release. He complained about service he received at the restaurant and again identified himself as a state trooper and threatened to charge employees with various offenses. Suspicious employees reported him to the state police post at Versailles, prompting an investigation.
A trooper from the Peru post found Keirstead at his home in Marion, about 50 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The trooper interviewed Keirstead, leading to an arrest warrant. Keirstead turned himself in and was booked into the Jefferson County Jail, the release said. He has since been released on bond, according to online jail information.
The release said Keirstead was awaiting an initial hearing. Jefferson County does not have online court records, and the county clerk did not immediately reply to a request for more information about whether Keirstead has yet had an initial hearing to be formally charged.
