A 26-year-old Washington state man has been charged with impersonating a federal officer after allegedly using a decommissioned police vehicle outfitted with fake Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) markings to intimidate customers at a Ukrainian grocery store. The suspect, identified as Ilya Kukhar, was formally charged on Thursday with one count of criminal impersonation in the second degree. According to the Fife Police Department, Kukhar’s black 2019 Ford SUV bore large “I.C.E.” lettering and a fake seal resembling the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s emblem. Authorities believe the display was a deliberate attempt to impersonate an ICE officer.
Incident at Emish Market Sparks Investigation
The case began on March 16, when police were called around 5 p.m. to the Emish Market in Fife, a Ukrainian grocery store. Witnesses reported a suspicious vehicle parked outside the store without license plates, and said its occupants were recording employees and customers on video, which caused significant alarm. The vehicle fled the scene before the officers arrived. A subsequent investigation revealed that the SUV was a former patrol car used by the Tukwila Police Department. The car had previously been involved in a crash and was later sold by an insurance company to a private buyer. It had since been altered to resemble a federal law enforcement vehicle. Authorities said the presence of the vehicle outside the Emish Market appeared to be intentional, describing it as an effort to “intimidate and draw attention,” particularly toward a community with ties to Ukraine.
Coordination Between Local and Federal Agencies
The case prompted a joint investigation involving the Fife Police Department, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations’ Seattle field office. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the vehicle was not affiliated with any federal agency. After receiving numerous tips from the public and assistance from the Tukwila Police Department, investigators identified Kukhar as the primary suspect. Police noted that he is not employed by any federal law enforcement agency. Authorities have not said whether any other individuals were involved or whether Kukhar has a motive tied to anti-immigrant or targeted intimidation efforts.
Suspect Remains Free Pending Arraignment
Despite being charged, Kukhar is currently not in custody. His arraignment is scheduled for April 11. If convicted, he could face penalties associated with criminal impersonation under Washington state law. The case has raised broader concerns about public safety and the potential misuse of former law enforcement vehicles. Officials have not indicated whether any changes to vehicle resale policies are being considered, but the incident highlights the ease with which individuals can repurpose official-looking equipment for unlawful purposes.
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