Police: N.J. man posed as cop, conducted traffic stop

Police have arrested a man who allegedly impersonated a police officer and conducted a bogus traffic stop last month in Egg Harbor Township.

Investigators said Frank Bonanata, 34, of Egg Harbor Township, brandished a badge Aug. 16 and pulled over a vehicle.

A police uniform, believed to be that of a corrections officer, was found in his car, according to investigators.

More information about the incident was not immediately available.

Bonanata previously worked as a corrections officer, police said. He graduated from training in May 2010 and was assigned to the Atlantic County Department of Public Safety, according to county records.

An Egg Harbor Township Police Department spokesman said he was not sure how long Bonanata worked in law enforcement.

He was arrested Thursday and charged with impersonating a police officer, possessing stolen law enforcement property, possessing more than ¾ of an ounce of pepper spray, and driving with a suspended license, police said.

Bonanata was imprisoned at the Atlantic County Jail on $25,000 full bail.

A police spokesman said Thursday that investigators hadn't received any additional reports of similar incidents allegedly involving Bonanata.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized is asked to contact Egg Harbor Township police at 609-927-5200.