‘You know who I am, right?’: NJ Democrat blasts officer during traffic stop in profane tirade | Law Enforcement Today

PAULSBORO, NJ - A Paulsboro, New Jersey Borough Councilman, Democrat Theodore D. Holloway II is the subject of news reports and criticism after a routine January 4 traffic stop captured on bodycam footage showed the local politician lambasting a police officer in a profane tirade. Holloway even called the Chief of Police to complain during the stop.

The traffic stop began with Holloway acting confrontational from the start, questioning the officer in a raised voice, "You can’t be serious. What exactly are you getting behind me for?"

The officer replied that the four-term councilman was observed failing to stop at a stop sign.

In the seven-minute video released to the public Holloway can be heard scolding the officer saying, “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.”

As reported by Fox News, Holloway soon threatened the officer with a complaint to the Paulsboro Police Chief saying, "Don’t think I ain’t going to talk to Gary about this," referring to Paulsboro Police Chief Gary Kille. "I’m the one that hired you!" 

Paulsboro Councilman Theodore D. Holloway II was caught on police body camera video berating a police officer who pulled him over for allegedly running a stop sign. The video shows Holloway calling the police chief to complain during the traffic stop. pic.twitter.com/cGkSrP6JUm

— njdotcom (@njdotcom) January 16, 2025

The officer returned to his patrol vehicle to run Holloway’s license and registration and called for backup stating that the councilman was “freaking out,” and when a supervising officer arrived on the scene Holloway could be heard on camera asking him, “You know who I am right?”

The Democrat councilman was cited for an expired vehicle registration, but not for failing to obey a traffic signal.

Holloway’s behavior toward the officers drew a firm rebuke from the Mayor of Paulsboro, John Giovannitti. He told Fox News that the councilman’s words were “not accurate nor professional.” He went on to assert, “We don't get special treatment. " He added, “We are not individual bosses for departments, and we don't get special treatment." 

The mayor also offered his praise for the officer and supervisor involved in the incident describing their handling of the confrontation as with "utmost professionalism." Giovannitti further stated that the borough council was advised of the incident and discussed Holloway's behavior with the councilman.