Illinois Man Arrested After Impersonating Rocker Sammy Hagar at Local Businesses
MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois man is facing charges after allegedly impersonating rock legend Sammy Hagar at multiple southern Illinois businesses, including two banks, a vape shop, and a tavern where he reportedly asked staff to “turn up the Cabo Wabo.”
Police say Ronnie Putnam, 58, of Summersville, claimed to be “the real Red Rocker,” complete with tinted red sunglasses, a denim jacket, and a homemade backstage pass that read ‘Access All Areas – Van Hagar Tour ’86.’ Investigators said Putnam attempted to open accounts under the name Sammy Hagar Enterprises, LLC and requested advances on “royalty checks.”
Witnesses told police the suspect burst into a brief a cappella version of Hagar’s 1984 hit “I Can’t Drive 55” in the lobby of a local bank, insisting it would “prove beyond any doubt” who he was.
“He said he was on tour but needed to cash a check from his new tequila line,” a teller reported. “He smelled faintly of margarita mix and sunscreen. Honestly, it was pretty convincing for about fifteen seconds.”
Officers say Putnam’s rock ’n’ roll act continued through questioning. He reportedly name-dropped Hagar songs like “There’s Only One Way to Rock” and “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy,” and at one point claimed he’d been “Runnin’ with the Devil before breakfast.”
Putnam was arrested on October 18 after presenting a laminated driver’s license that read, in all caps, “SAMMY HAGAR – ROCK GOD – VALID FOREVER.” He faces charges of fraud and disorderly conduct.
When taken into custody, witnesses say Putnam shouted, “I Can’t Drive to Jail — I Live My Life at Full Throttle!” before being escorted to a patrol car.
Authorities confirmed no money was exchanged and no accounts were opened. The real Sammy Hagar could not be reached for comment — presumably because he was too busy Livin’ It Up somewhere far away from Mount Vernon.
