Crime & Safety
Bail Bondsman Impersonator Had Fake Gun, Police Say
Mount Arlington man pretending to be a bail bondsman brought an Airsoft gun into Medical Arts Building in Hackettstown, according to report.
A Mount Arlington man pretending to be a bail bondsman was arrested Wednesday after bringing a fake gun into the Medical Arts Building, Hackettstown Police said.
Erik Vandevelde, 25, was charged with possession of an imitation firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.
According to Sgt. Darren Tynan, Vandevelde retrieved what appeared to be a handgun from his vehicle and entered the building on Bilby Road shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Officers found Vandevelde inside the building wearing a holster with a gun and a bail bonds badge around his neck, Tynan said.
The weapon was determined to be an Airsoft handgun and Vandevelde was not employed as a bail bondsman at the time of his arrest, Tynan said.
Vandevelde gave consent to search his vehicle where officers found a similar weapon and a white straw with a white powdery substance, Tynan said.
Vandevelde was released pending a Superior Court appearance.
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