By: Richard L. Smith
A Washington Township (Gloucester County) man has been charged after authorities say he impersonated a Homeland Security police officer while armed during a response to a property check at a home under construction.
According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at approximately 1:56 p.m., when Washington Township officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Strand Avenue after a caller reported an open front door at a residence under construction.
The caller was later identified as Nicholas M. Cabral.
As Officer Justin Frazer arrived at the scene, a marked vehicle displaying Homeland Security Police markings also pulled up. 
Investigators say a male exited the Dodge Charger police vehicle, identified himself as a Homeland Security police officer, and attempted to assist officers in clearing the residence while armed with a handgun.
Although Cabral was found to possess a valid New Jersey permit to carry a firearm, a subsequent investigation determined that he is not employed by Homeland Security, any federal law enforcement agency, or any police department.
Further investigation revealed that the marked Homeland Security Police vehicle belonged to Cabral’s wife, who is employed as a Homeland Security police officer and was out of state on an official duty assignment at the time.
Homeland Security officials later responded and took possession of the vehicle.
Authorities also reviewed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data, which showed the vehicle had been operated with emergency lights activated and was driven to other locations, including a Wendy’s restaurant, while Cabral’s wife was away on assignment.
As a result of the investigation, a warrant was issued for Cabral, a resident of Sewell in Washington Township. He later turned himself in to authorities.
Cabral has been charged with impersonating a police officer, a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-8, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a second-degree offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1).
He was lodged in the Salem County Jail, and the firearm involved was seized following a search.
Police emphasized that impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious offense that poses significant risks to both officers and the public.