A New Jersey man was arrested last month after authorities say he impersonated a law enforcement officer by responding to an emergency call he had placed himself—using his wife’s marked Homeland Security vehicle while she was out of town.
Washington Township police encountered the suspect, 32-year-old Nicholas Cabral of Sewell, shortly before 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, when an officer was dispatched to conduct a property check at a home under construction. A caller had reported that the front door was open; investigators later identified Cabral as the person who made the call.
As an officer arrived on scene, Cabral allegedly pulled up in a marked Homeland Security vehicle with its emergency lights activated and traveling at a high rate of speed. According to a probable cause affidavit, he was dressed in plain clothes and, when questioned, identified himself as an officer with “Homeland.”
Police say Cabral, who was wearing a gold badge, attempted to assist officers in clearing the residence while holding a handgun. Although he had a valid permit to carry, authorities said he is not employed by Homeland Security, any federal law enforcement agency, or any police department.
Investigators allege Cabral had been driving the vehicle while his wife—an officer with Homeland Security—was in California on a duty assignment. Homeland Security later took possession of the vehicle. Data from an automated license plate reader also showed the vehicle had been driven to a Wendy’s restaurant while she was away, police said.
A warrant was issued for Cabral, who later turned himself in and was released. His firearm was seized. He faces charges of impersonating a police officer and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 22.
When reached by phone for comment, Cabral ended the call. His attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
