Colorado troopers stopped a black Ford sedan doing roughly 130 mph on I‑25 and discovered it was modified to resemble a police cruiser. Officers found illegal evasion gear — a signal jammer, a master blackout switch and a license‑plate cover — suggesting intent to avoid detection. Driver Gregg Barclay and passenger David Bandler face charges; Barclay had previously discussed a Cannonball build on VinWiki.
Fake Cop Car Caught at 130 MPH on I‑25 — Troopers Say It Was Built for a Cannonball Run
A YouTuber's Fake Cop Car Was Doing 130 MPH When Colorado Finally Caught Up With Him
A black Ford sedan was stopped by Northern Colorado troopers after reaching roughly 130 mph on Interstate 25. What began as a high-speed traffic stop turned into a more alarming discovery: the car had been modified to look like a police cruiser and carried equipment consistent with deliberate evasion.
The Stop and Pursuit
Troopers with the Northern Colorado Highway Patrol tracked the sedan traveling at about double the posted speed limit, prompting multiple patrol units to respond. Deputies who later testified said several cars joined the pursuit after the Ford exceeded 100 mph. The vehicle repeatedly accelerated while officers closed in before the chase finally ended and both occupants were taken from the car.
What Officers Found
On closer inspection, the sedan was more than a fast car. It had been altered to resemble an official police vehicle and contained several illegal evasion devices: a signal jammer, a master blackout switch capable of turning off all exterior lights, and a license-plate cover designed to obscure tags from cameras or passing vehicles. None of these modifications improved performance; their apparent purpose was to avoid detection or identification.
Cannonball Run Connection
Investigators believe the build was consistent with preparation for a Cannonball Run — the illegal, cross-country high-speed dash that relies on stealth and evasion. Law enforcement said they have encountered similar disguised vehicles before, indicating the tactic is a recurring problem within that subculture.
Suspects and Evidence
The driver was identified as Gregg Barclay and the passenger as David Bandler. Both now face charges. Authorities say evidence suggests Bandler actively helped Barclay evade police, citing items and behavior in the car that appeared intended to warn other drivers of nearby law-enforcement activity.
Why This Matters
Barclay had previously appeared on the VinWiki YouTube channel about two years ago and openly discussed building a Ford Taurus SHO for a Cannonball attempt. That public admission complicates any claim of ignorance about the car's purpose. While some enthusiasts admire the engineering and daring behind Cannonball attempts, equipping a vehicle with evasion devices and dressing it as a police cruiser while driving at high speeds endangers anyone sharing the road.
The investigation and pending charges will determine the legal consequences, but the incident highlights how certain modifications cross from enthusiast culture into criminal conduct when used to defeat law enforcement and put the public at risk.
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