A New Jersey man faces criminal charges after authorities allege he used his wife’s marked Department of Homeland Security vehicle to impersonate a federal officer and respond to a police call he placed himself.

The incident, which unfolded in Washington Township, Gloucester County, last month, led to the arrest of 32-year-old Nicholas Cabral of Sewell. Police allege Cabral exploited his wife’s official government vehicle and credentials while she was out of state on duty, creating a dangerous and unauthorized intervention at a local scene.

Why It Matters

Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and can create hazardous situations for both the public and responding legitimate officers. This case also highlights protocols surrounding the security of official government vehicles and equipment, especially when an officer is not present. The alleged misuse of a marked federal vehicle elevates the severity of the incident beyond typical impersonation cases.

What to Know

• The Incident: On the afternoon of December 10, Washington Township police responded to a call about an open door at a home under construction. Upon arrival, an officer encountered Nicholas Cabral, who had allegedly driven to the scene in a marked Homeland Security vehicle with emergency lights activated.
• The Allegations: According to a probable cause affidavit, Cabral, dressed in plain clothes but wearing a gold badge, identified himself as an officer with “Homeland.” He allegedly attempted to assist police in clearing the residence while holding a handgun. Police confirmed he has a valid permit to carry but is not employed by any federal or local law enforcement agency.
• The Source of the Vehicle: Investigators determined the official vehicle belonged to Cabral’s wife, a legitimate Homeland Security officer who was on an assignment in California at the time. Authorities allege Cabral was driving the vehicle during her absence.
• The Charges: Cabral turned himself in after a warrant was issued. He was charged with impersonating a police officer and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His firearm was seized, and Homeland Security took possession of the vehicle. He is scheduled for a court appearance on January 22.

What People Are Saying

The Washington Township Police Department detailed the sequence of events in a news release, stating that the suspect “identified himself as an officer with Homeland Security” and that their investigation confirmed he “is not employed by Homeland Security or any federal law enforcement agency or police department.”

Further investigative details emerged from the probable cause affidavit, which noted that data from an automated license plate reader showed the police vehicle had also been recorded at a local Wendy’s restaurant while the officer-owner was away, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.

What Happens Next

Cabral’s case will proceed through the Gloucester County court system. The charge of impersonating a police officer, a third-degree crime in New Jersey, can carry a sentence of three to five years in prison. The additional weapon charge adds further gravity to the case. The internal protocols of the Department of Homeland Security regarding the safeguarding of official vehicles may also be reviewed following this incident.