MONROVIA — Melvin Swen, found wearing a Liberia National Police (LNP) uniform with a counterfeit ID, says he was “just hustling” after being struck by a car near the Vamoma checkpoint on Sunday night, August 17, 2025. The incident left him hospitalized at JFK Medical Center, where authorities discovered that the suspect was not a legitimate police officer.
The fake ID carried the name Melvin D. Swen and the rank of Inspector. During questioning, Swen claimed to reside at Matadi Estate, but investigators have uncovered links to another identity, Cornelius D. Neville, reportedly from Cow Factory, Jamaica Road. The LNP is working to verify his true identity.
Authorities confirmed that Swen has a prior record of impersonating police officers, having been arrested for the same offense in 2023. His repeated conduct categorizes him as a recidivist, someone who persists in criminal behavior despite previous arrests.
The LNP has launched a formal investigation and is actively seeking information about a male suspect connected to the impersonation. Swen will face prosecution once he recovers from his injuries.
The police have reminded the public that impersonating law enforcement officers is a serious crime and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities immediately.
