Terrifying I-80 Traffic Stop: Wayne, NJ Man Charged with Impersonating Cop in Attempted Kidnapping
file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wayne NJ, A North Jersey man is behind bars after a chilling highway encounter where he allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer, staged a fake field sobriety test, and handcuffed a woman in a botched kidnapping attempt on Interstate 80.
According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, 36-year-old Julio Estrada-Mogollon of Wayne, New Jersey, was arrested on May 12 following an intensive multi-agency investigation. He is currently facing multiple severe charges, including:
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Attempted Kidnapping
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Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer
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Theft
The Roxbury I-80 Incident: What Happened?
The terrifying incident unfolded in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 3, at approximately 2:15 a.m.
A female driver was traveling westbound on Route 80 in Roxbury when a dark-colored sedan equipped with emergency flashing lights pulled her over. Believing it was a legitimate traffic stop, the woman complied.
According to authorities, the suspect’s deception escalated rapidly:
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The Fake Stop: Estrada-Mogollon allegedly demanded the victim’s driving documentation.
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The Sobriety Test: He ordered her out of her vehicle to perform a fraudulent field sobriety test.
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The Handcuffs: The suspect then placed the woman in handcuffs and informed her she was under arrest.
A Brave Escape and Digital Footprints
The victim’s quick thinking likely saved her life. Sensing something was wrong, she demanded to see the suspect’s official police badge.
As Estrada-Mogollon walked back to his sedan—presumably to retrieve a badge or formulate his next move—the woman seized the opportunity. Still in handcuffs, she managed to scramble back into her own vehicle and flee the scene.
After successfully freeing herself from the restraints, she realized her cellphone was missing. She immediately contacted the New Jersey State Police. The next day, investigators tracked her stolen phone to Paterson, NJ. Further investigation linked the dark sedan used in the crime directly to Estrada-Mogollon.
Ongoing Investigation: How to Report Information
Estrada-Mogollon is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his upcoming court dates.
Because police impersonators often target multiple victims, New Jersey authorities are keeping the investigation open.
Do you have information? If you have seen this vehicle, had a suspicious interaction on Route 80, or have further information regarding Julio Estrada-Mogollon, please contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.
Safety Guide: How to Verify a Real Police Officer in New Jersey
This frightening incident serves as a stark reminder of highway safety. If you are being pulled over and suspect the vehicle behind you is not a real police officer, safety experts recommend taking the following steps:
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Put on your hazard lights: This signals to the officer that you acknowledge them and are not trying to flee.
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Drive to a well-lit, public area: Slow down and pull over at a busy gas station, rest stop, or police precinct.
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Call 911 immediately: Tell the dispatcher your location and ask them to verify if an active dispatch or unmarked unit is pulling you over at that exact spot.
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Keep your doors locked: Roll your window down only a crack to speak to the officer, and demand to see proper photo identification and a badge.
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Tags: Julio Estrada-Mogollon, Wayne NJ, Morris County News, I-80 Police Impersonator, Route 80 Kidnapping Attempt, Roxbury NJ, New Jersey State Police, Fake Cop Arrest NJ
