"Gangland" Fan Charged with Offering Police $100,000 Bribe

An Eau Claire, Wisc. motorist who allegedly had drugs, a loaded gun and thousands of dollars of cash on him when he was pulled over early Wednesday on the South Side was charged with offering police $100,000 to let him go, police said.

Christopher Parker, 24, of Fall Street in Eau Claire, was charged with felony attempted bribery, felony unlawful use of a weapon, possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses, according to Gresham District police Lt. John Francis. Parker was expected in court Thursday

Parker allegedly offered officers $100,000 to let him go but was arrested instead, the lieutenant said.

Parker was behind the wheel of a 2002 Ford Explorer that was pulled over by police about 1 a.m. Wednesday in the 7800 block of South Lowe Avenue because the SUV only had one headlight, the lieutenant said.

The lieutenant said Parker claimed to be a History channel fan who watches a show called “Gangland.’’

According to the History channel’s website, Gangland is a series examining notorious street gangs in America.

Parker had the loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber semi automatic handgun, cannabis and $3,000 cash inside the SUV, according to the lieutenant.

According to the arrest report, Parker allegedly said, “I’m a dumb-a---- white boy from Wisconsin, I watch ‘Gangland’ and I came to the South Side of Chicago to act like a big baller.’’

The lieutenant said Parker told arresting officers he borrowed the gun for protection because he was “scared” to be driving on the South Side.

Calumet Area detectives are investigating.