Bloomington police arrested a man after a traffic stop revealed he may have been attempting to impersonate a law enforcement officer and was illegally carrying a gun.

The driver was stopped Sunday night near 800 East American Boulevard after officers observed his vehicle driving the wrong way on 78th Street East, which is a one-way road.

The driver was identified as Nicholas Joseph Sullivan, 41, of Coon Rapids. During the stop, officers noticed a bullet-resistant vest in the vehicle’s backseat. The vest, bearing a patch labeled "agent," contained pouches holding items including chemical aerosol spray. Sullivan disclosed he had a firearm in his waistband but could only provide an expired permit to carry from 2021, claiming the updated card was at home. A database check confirmed Sullivan had no valid permit and that his driver’s license was revoked.

Sullivan was then placed under arrest and the firearm was removed from a holster on his hip. The firearm was loaded and had a round in the chamber.

A further search of the vehicle revealed items frequently used by law enforcement, including handcuffs, an expandable baton and additional "agent" patches in the glove compartment. The car was also equipped with flashing red and blue lights and multiple cameras. Sullivan claimed to work for a private contractor, but could not provide identification or credentials supporting this claim. Officers also found an expired handicapped parking placard belonging to someone else.

Sullivan now faces three charges including committing a crime while possessing a bullet-resistant vest, which is a felony; possessing a pistol in public without a permit, a gross misdemeanor; and driving after revocation, a misdemeanor. He is being held on $20,000 bail.

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