Sammy Hagar impersonator arrest was hoax
Reports from AXS recently emerged that police in Mount Vernon, Illinois, took a local man into custody after he allegedly posed as “Red Rocker” Sammy Hagar and attempted to open a bank account in the rock star’s name. The suspect, identified in reports as Ronnie Putnam, was detained following visits to multiple area businesses, including banks.
It was reported that the man claimed to be Sammy Hagar and allegedly tried to open a bank account under Hagar’s name. Local TV news reported he visited several area businesses, including two banks, before being detained. Reports referencing the police announcement were posted during the week of October 20–22, 2025.
It has been noted that police and initial reports highlighted the impersonation and attempted account opening. Specific formal charges and court dates had not been detailed in the cited coverage. Additional updates from Mount Vernon Police or local courts are expected as filings become public.
Sammy Hagar impersonation was a hoax
However, Police in Mount Vernon, Illinois told AXS that they have no such person in custody. It appears this story may be an internet hoax that was run with by several major media outlets. Whatever be the case, it seems the internet community has been fooled by the reports.
Scott Weiland had an impersonator in 2014
This is similar to a 2014 story involving the late Scott Weiland, where it was actually a legitimate impersonator. In a bizarre story that fooled music fans worldwide, a man posing as Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland was arrested in Los Angeles in 2014, leading to confusion across social media and news outlets.
On August 21, 2014, Beverly Hills police announced that “Scott Weiland” had been taken into custody for methamphetamine possession and burglary after allegedly stealing razors and cosmetics from a Rite Aid. The man was booked under Weiland’s name and even reportedly told officers he was the Grammy-winning rock star.
For nearly a month, the impersonator remained behind bars before the real Scott Weiland, who was touring with his band The Wildabouts at the time, posted a video message on Facebook denying the arrest. “I’ve been touring, rehearsing, and working. I’ve been at a studio in Los Angeles,” Weiland said, clearly frustrated that anyone believed he’d been jailed.
Police later confirmed that the man in custody was actually Jason Michael Hurley, a 44-year-old career criminal who bore a striking resemblance to Weiland and had used his name in the past. The bizarre incident became one of the strangest rock headlines of the decade — a surreal twist even the late Weiland couldn’t have imagined.