Jackson, N.J. man says police racially profiled him after he was stopped for wearing a hoodie

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Jackson Township man says he was racially profiled by police after officers stopped him earlier this month, claiming he looked “suspicious” because he was wearing a hoodie on an 80‑degree day.

The man, identified as Jamal Holmes and ViBin Mall, a local DJ, recorded the June 2 traffic stop on his cellphone. The video, which has since gone viral, shows officers approaching his vehicle near the Jackson Mews apartment complex.

Jackson Township Man Says He Police Said He Looked Suspicious

In the video posted on Facebook, an officer tells the driver he appeared suspicious because he was “reaching down” and “hiding [his] face” as police drove by. The officer also cited his clothing.

“You’re wearing a sweatshirt in 80‑degree weather,” the officer said, adding that residents had complained about people parking in handicap spaces.

Holmes told News 12 police began following him while leaving his apartment complex and trailed him all the way to a shopping plaza. Once stopped, Holmes questioned officers why he was stopped and asked whether his race played a role.

“So, you’re trying to say I look suspicious walking out of my own apartment? Why, because I’m Black and it’s 80‑degree weather?” he asked in the video.

Stop Escalated After Holmes Requested a Supervisor

Holmes repeatedly asked officers to call a supervisor when they asked him to step out of the car. Officers continued ordering him to exit the vehicle, later telling him his inspection sticker was expired. Moments later, officers opened his door, forcibly pulled him out, and placed him under arrest.

Holmes said he was slammed against his vehicle and taken to police headquarters. He was released shortly afterward and later received summonses for obstruction, resisting arrest, and an expired inspection.

Holmes said he was injured during the arrest. He said he was later hospitalized and suffers from chronic back issues due to a prior spinal fusion.

Driver Says the Stop Was Racially Motivated

Holmes said he believes the stop was racially motivated and pointed to how Black men are often labeled “suspicious” for wearing hoodies.

“When young white people wear hoods, they don’t get called suspicious,” he told News 12. “But as soon as a young Black man is wearing a hood, it’s suspicious.”

Holmes said he plans to file a complaint against the department.

Police Department Says They Will Review

Jackson Township Police told New Jersey 101.5 they will conduct a “full and impartial” review of the incident after the video gained widespread attention online.

The department has not released further details.