A New Jersey police sergeant was arrested for trying to hook up with a girl he thought was 15 years old — but who was really an undercover cop, police officials said.

Howell Township Sgt. Richard Conte was arrested on Thursday when he went to meet the “girl,” authorities said. The undercover officer arrested Conte for attempting to lure a child when he showed up for the rendezvous.

Conte was suspended without pay after the arrest, Howell Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said in a statement.

“It sickened me to learn one of my officers, a highly competent supervisor nonetheless and one that I have worked alongside with for many years on the SWAT team, not only defied my trust, but fellow officers as well,” Kudrick wrote.

He added: “I offer my sincere apology to the community that we value and respect so deeply.”