GREENFIELD — The New Hampshire man accused of impersonating a police officer in a decommissioned cruiser in June pleaded not guilty in Franklin County Superior Court on Wednesday after his charges were transferred from Greenfield District Court due to their severity.

Brendon L. Douglas, 21, of Hooksett, New Hampshire, faces three counts of carrying a dangerous weapon and single counts of impersonating a police officer, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, using body armor during a felony, possession of ammunition with an FID card, unlawful possession of a large-capacity firearm or feeding device, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, having an uninsured motor vehicle and having an unregistered motor vehicle. His $3,000 bail, which he posted, was also transferred from District Court.

According to a police report filed by Bernardston Police Officer Jordan Zukowski, he was on patrol in the Church Street area at around 11:30 p.m. on June 13 when he saw a blue and white Ford Crown Victoria with a push bumper and a light bar. A push bumper allows a police cruiser to be used as a battering ram, and a light bar is the light affixed to the top of a cruiser. Zukowski said a query of the license plate revealed the registration had been canceled. He initiated a traffic stop when the Crown Victoria pulled into the Sunoco gas station on Church Street.

Zukowski reported he approached the vehicle and saw that the driver, later identified as Douglas, was wearing a tactical load-bearing vest plated to protect against rifle rounds. Zukowski also saw that Douglas’ vest had a radio, with a shoulder microphone, and a faded metal badge was attached to the vest. According to Zukowski’s report, there was also a small pouch with the handles of three double-edged daggers sticking out, and he noticed Douglas was carrying handcuffs. Douglas also had a black handgun — a Smith & Wesson M&P9 — in a holster on his right hip, according to Zukowski.

Douglas reportedly told Zukowski he didn’t know the whereabouts of his license and registration because he was borrowing the car from a friend. He said later, however, that he purchased the vehicle from a friend he was unable to name. Zukowski later found the vehicle’s bill of sale, as well as a whip and a tactical helmet inside the vehicle.

Zukowski reported Douglas told him he carries police-style gear because there is a lot of violence in Manchester, New Hampshire. He also told Zukowski he runs his own security company and was on his way to Washington state for a counselor position.

“Douglas’ answers were nonsensical, as his story was porous,” Zukowski wrote in his report. “I confronted Douglas about the inconsistencies in his story and how it made little sense. Douglas stated his story was the truth.”

Bernardston Police Officer Thomas Chabot reported he spoke with a Hooksett Police lieutenant in New Hampshire, who advised him that his department has had dozens of interactions with Douglas for reported stalking, harassment, criminal mischief and other offenses. There has also been a warrant arrest in which Douglas reportedly had a baton, handcuffs, a concealed firearm with rubber bullets and several knives.

Douglas is represented by defense attorney Stephen Shea. Assistant District Attorney Aiden Lanciani is prosecuting the case for the state. Douglas is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on March 11, 2024.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.