New Jersey investigators say a suspect used emergency lights and posed as law enforcement during the roadside encounter
ROXBURY, N.J. — A New Jersey man is accused of impersonating a police officer during a terrifying overnight traffic stop on Route 80 that investigators say escalated into an attempted kidnapping after a woman was handcuffed along the highway.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced that 36-year-old Julio D. Estrada-Mogollon of Wayne has been charged in connection with the incident that unfolded in Roxbury during the early morning hours of May 3.
According to investigators, the victim had just left a business in Saddle Brook around 2:15 a.m. and was driving westbound on Route 80 when a dark-colored sedan with emergency lights pulled her over.
Believing the vehicle belonged to law enforcement, the woman stopped and complied with the driver’s instructions, authorities said.
Investigators allege the suspect requested her documentation, removed her from the vehicle, and conducted what appeared to be a field sobriety test.
Police said the suspect then handcuffed the victim and told her she was under arrest.
The situation changed when the victim asked to see the alleged officer’s badge.
According to investigators, the suspect walked back toward his vehicle, giving the woman an opportunity to flee the scene in her own car.
Authorities said the victim later managed to remove the handcuffs herself and realized her cellphone was missing.
The incident was later reported to the New Jersey State Police.
Investigators said the victim’s cellphone was located in Paterson the following day.
A joint investigation by the New Jersey State Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit eventually linked the suspect vehicle to Estrada-Mogollon.
Authorities charged him May 12 with second-degree attempted kidnapping, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Under New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act, Estrada-Mogollon remains detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Officials said the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.
All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- A Wayne man is accused of impersonating a police officer during a Route 80 traffic stop
- Investigators said the victim was handcuffed during an alleged attempted kidnapping
- Authorities charged the suspect with attempted kidnapping theft and impersonating law enforcement
