Roxbury Township, NJ — A Wayne man faces attempted kidnapping and impersonation charges after New Jersey State Police say he pulled over a driver on Interstate 80 while pretending to be a law enforcement officer, then handcuffed the victim during a late-night roadside encounter in Morris County.
Investigators identified the suspect as 36-year-old Julio Estrada-Mogollon of Wayne, New Jersey. State police allege he stopped a woman driving on I-80 westbound near Exit 28 in Roxbury Township around 2:45 a.m. on May 3 while operating a red Chrysler 200.
According to investigators, the suspect conducted fake field sobriety tests and placed the victim in handcuffs before she managed to escape.
Victim Escaped Handcuffs and Drove Away, Police Say
New Jersey State Police said the woman slipped out of the handcuffs, returned to her vehicle, and fled the scene before later reporting the incident to authorities.
At approximately 10:50 a.m. the same day, the victim arrived at the Troop “B” Netcong Station to file a report with investigators, according to state police.
The incident triggered an investigation by the Troop “B” Criminal Investigation Office, which authorities said involved multiple investigative steps that eventually identified Estrada-Mogollon as the suspect.
Police arrested him May 13 at a residence on Knox Terrace in Wayne.
Key Points
• New Jersey State Police charged a Wayne man with impersonating an officer during an I-80 traffic stop.
• Investigators say the suspect handcuffed a driver after conducting fake sobriety tests in Roxbury Township.
• The victim escaped and later reported the incident to the Netcong State Police station.
Suspect Faces Attempted Kidnapping Charge
Authorities charged Estrada-Mogollon with attempted kidnapping, theft, and impersonation of law enforcement.
Following his arrest, police lodged him in the Morris County Jail pending future court appearances.
State police did not release additional details about what led investigators to the suspect or whether they believe other incidents may be connected.
The case has raised renewed concerns about police impersonation schemes, particularly during overnight traffic stops on major highways where drivers may feel isolated or vulnerable.
State Police Ask Drivers to Report Similar Encounters
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident — or any similar encounters involving a person posing as law enforcement — to contact the Troop “B” Netcong Station Detective Bureau at 973-347-1001.
Anonymous tips are also being accepted.
Law enforcement agencies often advise drivers who are uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate to slow down, activate hazard lights, and call 911 to verify the officer and vehicle before stopping in a safe, public area.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for future court proceedings in Morris County.
