Crag Redhawk: Lamely Poses As Tribal Cop in Heart of Austin, Allegedly

This insignia is not rendered in duct tape

​One of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, the Choctaw Indians once controlled most of what is now Mississippi. A remnant remained behind when Andrew Jackson removed the bulk of them to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears.

We bring you this little history lesson just to point out that the Choctaw never were in Texas in significant numbers. Crag Redhawk of Austin appears to think differently. He apparently believes that Choctaw law should be enforced in the capital city, and he is just the man to do the job.

According to the Austin American Statesman, Redhawk was apprehended Friday while driving a vintage Crown Victoria -- every real cop's favorite ride, if that cop was policing in 1987 -- through an Austin suburb. On the side of the Crown Vic, lettered in Home Depot-purchased tape, were the words "Choctaw Police."

Police say Redhawk, who was not in any kind of uniform, also verbally claimed to be a Choctaw cop, but tribal police in Mississippi told the Austin cops that Redhawk was not on the force, even if he did show APD a shiny badge and official-looking identification. Also found: an antique Colt 45, fully loaded, and several apparently swiped citation books from Austin-area law enforcement agencies.

Although the Austin police have said he is also being investigated for 20 counts of impersonating a cop, for now Redhawk is charged with two counts of third-degree felony tampering with a government record. As of this morning he was still jailed on $100,000 bond.

And he's lucky the Comanche, the Austin area's real one-time Native American overlords, didn't get to him first.