Fake traffic stops on YouTube lead to Wis. arrests

[November 26, 2008]  SPARTA, Wis. (AP) -- Two men are accused of outfitting a 1997 Lincoln with red and blue flashing lights, using it to make fake traffic stops -- and then posting video of themselves doing it on YouTube.

An anonymous tip led Monroe County sheriff's detectives to the online video last Thursday.

On Monday, charges of being party to false imprisonment, impersonating an officer and disorderly conduct were filed against 20-year-old Cody Hobson and 21-year-old Ronald Lyons, both of Sparta.

According to a criminal complaint, two motorists were stopped Nov. 18, but the men didn't make contact with either driver, and a third stop was attempted. During one stop, one of the men remarked that, "No matter how many times we do this, this (expletive) never gets old."

Hobson and Lyons were freed on $5,000 signature bonds. They are due back in court next Monday.

No phone listings could be found for the two. There was no immediate response when The Associated Press left messages Monday night for their attorneys.

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Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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