A New Jersey councilman’s traffic stop escalates into a heated confrontation, raising questions about the conduct of elected officials.
These are the kinds of people we trust to make decisions for us…
At a Glance
- Paulsboro Councilman Theodore D. Holloway II berated a police officer during a traffic stop
- Holloway claimed to be the officer’s “boss” and threatened to contact the Police Chief
- The incident was captured on body camera footage, sparking public debate
- Mayor John Giovannitti condemned Holloway’s actions as unprofessional and inaccurate
- Holloway received a citation for an expired vehicle registration, not for the alleged stop sign violation
Councilman’s Traffic Stop Turns Contentious
On January 4, at the intersection of Penn Line Road and West Adams Street in Paulsboro, New Jersey, what began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a heated exchange between Councilman Theodore D. Holloway II and a local police officer. The incident, captured on body camera footage, has since become a focal point of controversy, raising questions about the conduct of elected officials and their interactions with law enforcement.
Take a look at this INSANITY:
The officer initially stopped Holloway on suspicion of failing to yield at a stop sign. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated when Holloway, a 12-year veteran of the council, began to assert his authority over the officer. Body camera footage revealed Holloway using profanities and making claims about his position of power within the local government.
During the confrontation, Holloway made several alarming statements that have since drawn widespread criticism. He repeatedly asserted his status as an elected official and claimed to be the officer’s superior.
“You actually pulled over an elected official. You’re not pulling over a random. You’re pulling over your boss. I am literally your boss!” Theodore D. Holloway II said.
Did he think that him being a council member meant he could break the law?
Holloway’s behavior escalated to the point where he referenced Paulsboro Police Chief Gary Kille, claiming he had hired the officer. He even went so far as to call Chief Kille from his car during the stop, further complicating the situation. The officer, feeling overwhelmed by Holloway’s aggressive demeanor, called for backup, describing the councilman as “freaking out.”
In response to the incident, Paulsboro Mayor John Giovannitti has publicly denounced Holloway’s behavior, emphasizing that elected officials should be held to a higher standard and do not receive special treatment.
“As elected officials, we don’t get special treatment. We have to be held to a higher standard, we can’t get frustrated when something happens and make demands,” John Giovannitti said.
Too right!
Giovannitti clarified that Holloway’s comments were not only unprofessional but also inaccurate. He commended the officer for handling the situation professionally despite the challenging circumstances. The Mayor’s statements serve as a reminder that public servants are expected to uphold the law and respect those who enforce it, regardless of their position.
Despite the serious nature of the confrontation, Holloway escaped charges related to the alleged stop sign violation. However, he did receive a citation for an expired vehicle registration. The incident has led to threats against both Holloway and the police officer involved, highlighting the broader implications of such public confrontations.
Maybe Democrats should think a little more before electing people like this in the future.
