Washington Township, NJ – A Sewell man is facing serious charges after allegedly posing as a Homeland Security officer while armed and driving a marked police vehicle during an incident at a home under construction earlier this month.
According to Washington Township Police, officers were dispatched around 1:56 p.m. Wednesday to a residence on Strand Avenue after a caller reported an open front door. The caller, later identified as Nicholas M. Cabral, arrived at the same time as Officer Justin Frazer — but in a marked Homeland Security police vehicle.
Police say Cabral exited the Dodge Charger, identified himself as a Homeland Security Police Officer, and attempted to assist in clearing the property while carrying a handgun. Although Cabral held a valid New Jersey permit to carry the weapon, investigators confirmed he is not employed by Homeland Security, any federal agency, or any law enforcement department.
Further investigation determined that the police vehicle belonged to Cabral’s wife, an actual Homeland Security police officer who was out of state on a duty assignment at the time. Homeland Security personnel later responded to secure the vehicle.
Automatic License Plate Reader data reportedly showed that the car had been driven with its emergency lights activated on several occasions and had been seen at a Wendy’s restaurant while Cabral’s wife was away.
Following the investigation, a warrant was issued for Cabral’s arrest. He turned himself in late Thursday and was lodged in Salem County Jail.
Cabral faces charges of impersonating a police officer and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a second-degree crime. The firearm was seized during a search.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have encountered Cabral posing as a law enforcement officer to contact Detective Anthony Aquilino at (856) 589-0330 or via email at araquilino@pd.twp.washington.nj.us.