A man from South Jersey has been arrested and charged after allegedly masquerading as a federal law enforcement officer. Police say he used his spouse’s official Homeland Security vehicle while she was away on duty to respond armed to a 911 call he himself had made, according to local law enforcement reports.
Alleged Impersonation and Arrest
Authorities in Washington Township, New Jersey, allege that 32-year-old Nicholas Cabral placed a call to local police reporting a possible break-in at a home under construction on Strand Avenue. Just as township officers arrived, Cabral reportedly pulled up in a marked Homeland Security vehicle with its emergency lights activated.
Cabral is accused of stepping out of the vehicle, identifying himself as a Homeland Security agent, and even attempting to assist police officers in clearing the property while armed with a handgun. Although he held a legal firearm permit, investigators later confirmed he was not employed by Homeland Security or any police agency.
Investigation and Charges
Police say the vehicle Cabral used belonged to his wife, who works as a Homeland Security officer and was out of state on assignment when the incident occurred. Records from automated license plate readers also indicated the marked car had been driven with its emergency lights on and spotted at a Wendy’s restaurant during her absence.
After realizing the impersonation, a warrant was issued for Cabral’s arrest. He turned himself in and now faces charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful possession of a weapon. His firearm has been seized, and he is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Local law enforcement officials have stressed that impersonating a police officer is a serious offense that compromises public safety and trust. Authorities are asking anyone who interacted with Cabral while he was using the marked vehicle to come forward with information.
