Beware of the fake ‘Batmobile’ cop
Following an investigation launched on Aug. 3, a North Bergen man was arrested after allegedly impersonating a New York City police officer in Guttenberg, according to the Guttenberg police.
Police initially received calls that a man was allegedly pulling drivers over in Guttenberg in a black Dodge Charger with tinted windows and a police light. According to the calls, the man was allegedly in possession of a New York City police uniform, a handgun, and a badge.
Guttenberg police stopped the vehicle on August 14 on Kennedy Boulevard minutes before midnight. The driver allegedly identified himself as a New York City Police officer and showed a badge. He was then immediately placed under arrest.
“We discovered from NYPD that he’s not a New York City police officer,” said Sgt. Juan Barrera.
Brian Dorador, 27, of North Bergen, was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer, possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, and having a fraudulent police badge.
Guttenberg police discovered that Dorador had previously been employed with the NYPD as an auxiliary police officer, a member of a police unit that does not carry a gun or the typical badge.
“He was actually fired from them in March,” claimed Barrera.
Police say they found police equipment at Dorador’s residence. Police are still searching for the handgun.
Captain Joel Magenheimer likened Dorador’s black Dodge Charger to a “Batmobile.”
Investigator Joseph Torello of the Guttenberg Police Department was the lead detective on the case.
Bail was set at $50,000.
If anyone has any information or has been pulled over by the faux police officer, contact the Guttenberg Police Department at 201-868-3300 x117.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.