NJ MAN ACCUSED OF POSING AS POLICE WITH HOMELAND SECURITY VEHICLE

A New Jersey man is facing criminal charges after authorities say he impersonated a police officer using his wife’s Homeland Security police vehicle while she was away on duty.

Nicholas Cabral has been charged with impersonating a police officer after investigators say he responded to a 911 call in Washington Township on Wednesday while posing as law enforcement.

According to police, Cabral arrived at a residence in a Homeland Security Police vehicle and identified himself as an officer. He allegedly assisted a Washington Township police officer in clearing a home under construction after a neighbor reported the front door had been left open.

Police say Cabral had a firearm drawn during the response.

A follow-up investigation later determined that Cabral is not a Homeland Security police officer and is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. Authorities learned that his wife is a Homeland Security police officer and was away on an official duty assignment at the time of the incident.

Investigators also say vehicle data showed the Homeland Security police vehicle was driven with emergency lights activated and made at least one stop at a Wendy’s restaurant while his wife was away.

Cabral turned himself in on Thursday. He has been charged with impersonating a police officer and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Washington Township Police Department emphasized the seriousness of the offense.

“Impersonating a police officer is an extremely serious offense and presents significant risk,” the department wrote. “The safety of our Washington Township police officers and the public remains our number one priority.”