Fake ICE vehicle in WA was for YouTube video: docs

Fake 'ICE' vehicle in Fife was allegedly for YouTube video

The suspect behind a fake "ICE" vehicle that was recently spotted in Fife says it was for a YouTube video that "got blown out of proportion like crazy," newly obtained court documents state.

FIFE, Wash. - The suspect behind a fake ICE vehicle that was spotted patrolling a Ukrainian market in Fife was allegedly for a YouTube video.

The suspect, 26-year-old Ilya Kukhar, told police that the retired police SUV fitted with fake "ICE" decals was for a social media stunt that "got blown out of proportion like crazy," court documents state.

The backstory:

Fife police apparently received a video clip of a staged arrest involving the fake ICE vehicle, showing a person wearing law enforcement-style clothing putting a handcuffed individual into the back of the SUV.

The vehicle was a former patrol car for Tukwila police, which was resold to a private buyer by their insurance company. That buyer was identified as Kukhar.

After finally tracking him down, Kukhar claimed he no longer owned the vehicle, and said the video of the fake arrest was part of a YouTube skit that he filmed on private property, according to court documents.

When asked about the incident at the Ukrainian market in Fife, police said Kukhar responded by saying, "Nothing at all. Allegedly just drove in, just drove around in a couple circles and left. That's it. There is nothing more to it."

However, it's alleged that one or more occupants of the fake "ICE" vehicle were seen recording employees and customers at Emish Market, and also possibly honked the horn in the lot.

Kukhar has since been charged with second-degree criminal impersonation. Kukhar's attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf on Monday.