Lincoln Police arrested a vigilante Monday whose police officer impersonation may have led to the arrest of others for drug possession.

Lowell E. Hayes, 50, 624 S. 18th St., told police he chased a 1988 Oldsmobile because he believed the people inside were involved in “illegal activity,” said Lincoln Police Officer Katherine Finnell.

Two police officers were alerted to the chase at 11:29 p.m. when they saw the Oldsmobile and Hayes’ van violate a yield sign at 15th and F streets, said Lincoln Police Capt. David Beggs.

The Oldsmobile driver stopped driving and started running before police caught him near 13th and E streets. Officers found what they suspect is methamphetamine in the Oldsmobile. The driver, 21-year-old Julius J. Phillips, and his passenger, 19-year-old Ian D. Sheehan, were arrested and jailed on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, Beggs said. Phillips was also cited on suspicion of driving under suspension, reckless driving and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Meanwhile, Hayes stopped near G and 12th streets to chase another man who fled the Oldsmobile. Police heard Hayes yelling at the 27-year-old man to get on the ground, and it appeared Hayes was attempting to arrest him.

Hayes was cited on suspicion of driving under the influence, driving under suspension, willful reckless driving, no proof of insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with an open container, assault and impersonating a police officer.