Chris Hamburg: Serial road rager filmed by TikToker trying to run car off road
RANTOUL, ILLINOIS: A serial road rager was finally arrested, months after harassing numerous drivers, thanks to one TikTok user. Chris Hamburg was recorded by user Kaleb Moore attempting to run Moore's friend's car off the road. The incident quickly went viral, with other users also complaining that they were victims of Hamburg, leading to his eventual arrest on August 25. It appears Hamburg has troubled man drivers in his beat-up van and is now facing charges of disorderly conduct.
Despite facing threats of bans, TikTok has proved to be a vital source for people to out anti-social Americans. On August 17, TikTok user Lisette went viral after she was recorded ranting at gym users who came in front of her camera while attempting to record work out TikToks. Days before that, TikToker Heather Brown recorded a White woman grabbing her son, to block him from entering the community pool. We also reported on Denise Bradley aka Aunt Karen, who used her TikToks to out racist CEO Eileen Cure.
READ MORE
Florida girl, 4, shot dead in car while suspect targets her mom from another car
Kendell Matthews: SHOCKING video of man shooting at pickup in 'road rage' goes viral
While most cases have just gone viral and led to public condemnation, Moore's TikTok led the police to act, and arrest Hamburg after much public pressure. Reportedly, numerous people have been subject to Hamburg's road rage, which Moore called "completely sickening". In fact, he would've probably gotten away with it too, had he not ended up in the same motel as one of his earlier victims, who wasted no time in calling the cops.
Who is Chris Hamburg?
Beyond Moore's TikTok and one local news story, there appears to be no information about Hamburg. Illinois Department of Corrections doesn't appear to have Hamburg listed currently, so he is likely out on bail. Hamburg is reportedly charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor in Illinois that is punishable with jail time and/or a fine. It's unclear where Hamburg is from, but he was taken to Vermilion County jail in Danville after his arrest. We also know he drives a white van, with one of the windows replaced with a piece of wood.
One user on Facebook has created an account in Hamburg's name and urged people to report him to the police. The account claims Hamburg is a "wanted pedophile and con artist", who uses multiple names, and has several Facebook accounts. We could not verify this information, or the claim he is a "drifter". The post also says Hamburg is from Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho, again information we could not verify.
It's unclear when Moore encountered Hamburg, but his video quickly went viral at the end of August. Moore was in the passenger seat when he noticed Hamburg, who was "way ahead" pull to the side of the road. Once Moore and his friend went by, Hamburg reportedly took pictures of their plates and followed them. "We stopped to let him pass which sent him into a road rage fit," Moore explained. When asked if there is a problem, Hamburg replies, "Do you have a problem, b---h?"
Moore's friend attempts to speed up and get away, leading Hamburg to attempt to force them off the road. Hamburg then opens his door and yells "gonna beat your fucking ass," even as Moore and his friend attempt to get away. Eventually, they do so, near a construction site. Moore then says in a TikTok video, "There were sightings in three towns around that area, including people giving away that same license plate number, the same description of the van, same description of the dude, same actions." He reportedly received photos and videos from users of Hamburg's actions, including one aunt who claimed Hamburg "chased" her nine-year-old niece.
One of Hamburg's many victims was Helene Ellis, who encountered the serial rager in July. According to Ellis, she passed Hamburg's car in Brookhill Road in Rantoul, when Hamburg made a u-turn, followed her, and tried to hit the back of Ellis' car. She posted about the encounter on Facebook, which led to more victims coming out. One day, Ellis ended up at the Super 8 hotel in Rantoul, where she noticed Hamburg's car. Ellis promptly called the cops, who arrested Hamburg on August 25 and took him to Vermilion County jail. Following his arrest, Moore posted "thank you everyone who helped get this guy off the road" on Facebook. Moore also said there are additional warrants in Hamburg's name in Idaho and Wyoming, and is "hopeful" additional charges are brought.