On January 4, 2025, Paulsboro Councilman Theodore D. Holloway was stopped by a local police officer after allegedly failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. The incident unfolded when Holloway, visibly irritated by the traffic stop, became confrontational with the officer. Rather than acknowledging the violation, he emphasized his political position, stating that he was the one who "hired" the officer and should not be treated like an ordinary citizen. Holloway argued that as an elected official, he held authority over the officer, implying that he should be exempt from such routine traffic enforcement. His words were captured on the officer’s body camera, which recorded Holloway’s escalating frustration and his threat to contact Police Chief Gary Kille, suggesting that his rank would shield him from accountability.

This exchange led to widespread concern, drawing attention to the behavior of public officials in interactions with law enforcement. Holloway’s confrontational tone and attempts to leverage his political status to avoid the consequences of the traffic violation have sparked a public debate over the use of power and influence. Paulsboro Mayor John Giovannitti responded to the incident by stressing that public officials should be held to higher standards and not expect special treatment because of their positions. Despite expressing disapproval of Holloway’s actions, Giovannitti did not make any immediate statements regarding disciplinary action.

The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) also condemned Holloway’s behavior, calling for his resignation. Peter Andreyev, president of the association, expressed concerns about Holloway's conduct, suggesting that the councilman’s approach to the traffic stop raised serious questions about his respect for law enforcement and his potential misuse of power. He called Holloway’s behavior an example of how public officials could abuse their position if unchecked.

In addition to the heated exchange during the stop, Holloway was cited for driving an unregistered vehicle, but he was not issued a ticket for the alleged stop sign violation. The body camera footage of the incident quickly garnered attention, sparking a wider conversation about the interactions between law enforcement and elected officials, particularly concerning accountability and the abuse of power. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the conduct of public figures and the importance of ensuring that they are held to the same standards as the general public. The fallout from the incident is expected to have lasting implications for Holloway’s political career and the way public officials are perceived by the community.