Man Impersonated Federal Officer, Pulled Out Gun In South Jersey: Police

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A man is facing charges after police say he impersonated a federal officer in Gloucester County.

Nicholas M. Cabral falsely identified himself Wednesday to officers as a "Homeland Security police officer" in Washington Township, police said.

He was driving a marked U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vehicle that belongs to his wife, who works for the federal agency and was out of town, police said.

Cabral called Washington Township police just before 2 p.m. Wednesday to report a home under construction with the front door open at 207 Strand Ave.

As officers reached the scene, Cabral pulled up in a marked car belonging to the Federal Protective Service, police said. The Federal Protective Service, a DHS agency, conducts law enforcement at federal facilities.

Cabral, of Washington Township, identified himself to police as a "Homeland Security police officer," authorities said. He then tried to help them clear the house while holding a handgun, according to law enforcement.

Although Cabral had a permit to carry, a follow-up investigation confirmed he's not employed by the DHS or any law-enforcement agency, police said. The car belongs to his wife, who works as a federal officer and was out-of-state on a duty assignment.

The DHS retrieved the vehicle.

Further investigation showed the car's emergency lights were activated and it was driven to Wendy's while Cabral's wife was away, police said.

Cabral was charged with impersonating a police officer and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The charges were placed on a warrant for Cabral, who turned himself in Thursday.

The suspect was placed in the Salem County Correctional Facility, which provides jailing services for Gloucester County. His gun was also seized.

Attorney information for Cabral wasn't immediately available in online court records.

Anyone with further information on this case or other potential police-impersonation incidents in Washington Township can contact Washington Township Police Det. Anthony Aquilino at (856) 589-0330 or araquilino@pd.twp.washington.nj.us.