Jackson Township police say they are reviewing a traffic stop that sparked allegations of racial profiling and excessive force after a video of the encounter spread across social media.
JACKSON — The Jackson Township Police Department has launched an internal review after a viral video prompted allegations that officers racially profiled a Black motorist during a traffic stop near the Jackson Mews apartment complex.
In a statement released this week, the department said it is aware of the concerns raised online and is conducting what it identified as ‘a thorough and impartial review’ of the incident.
Key Points
• A Jackson Township resident alleges he was racially profiled and injured during a traffic stop.
• Police say the incident is under review and all allegations will be examined.
• Video of the encounter has generated widespread debate on social media.
“The Jackson Township Police Department takes all allegations of discrimination seriously,” Jackson Police Chief Mary Nelson said in a statement. “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and are reviewing the matter in accordance with our policies and procedures.”
Officials added that they encourage anyone with information related to the incident to contact the department so it can be included in the review.
Driver alleges racial profiling
The motorist, a Jackson Township resident and DJ who performs under the name ViBin Mall, alleges officers targeted him because he is Black after observing him sitting in his vehicle inside the Jackson Mews apartment complex.
According to the man, he was speaking on the phone inside his vehicle before leaving to go grocery shopping when a patrol vehicle drove past him, later positioned itself near the complex entrance, and eventually followed him before initiating a traffic stop.
Video recorded during the encounter captured an officer explaining why police initially became interested in him.
“When we drove by in the Mews, we just saw you. I was a little concerned. It looked like you were reaching down, just like hiding your face,” the officer said.
The officer also referenced the driver’s clothing and a handicap placard displayed in the vehicle.
“We came by, you’re wearing a sweatshirt in 80-degree weather, you got the handicap placard up. There’s people that complain in the Mews about people parking in handicap spots,” the officer said.
The driver challenged the explanation and accused officers of targeting him because of his race.
“So you’re trying to say I look suspicious walking out of my own apartment? Why? Because I’m Black?” he responded.
Dispute escalated during stop
Throughout the encounter, the driver repeatedly requested a supervisor and declined officers’ commands to exit the vehicle.
Video shows officers warning that continued refusal could result in an obstruction charge.
“Step out of the car, you’re going to get locked up for obstruction,” one officer said.
At another point in the recording, officers referenced an expired vehicle inspection sticker as a traffic violation.
The driver questioned whether officers were attempting to justify the stop after the fact, while officers maintained they were investigating suspicious activity and enforcing traffic laws.
Man claims arrest aggravated spinal injury
The motorist alleges the encounter became physical after recording stopped.
According to statements posted on social media, he claims officers forcibly removed him from the vehicle, slammed him against his car, and aggravated injuries from a previous spinal fusion surgery.
The man said he was transported for medical treatment and underwent X-rays following the arrest. He alleges additional testing was recommended to determine whether existing spinal hardware had been damaged.
Department promises review
The Jackson Township Police Department has not released details regarding the arrest report or officers’ full account of the incident. Officials said the department remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and maintaining public trust while the review continues.
“A thorough and impartial review will be conducted to ensure all relevant facts and circumstances are considered,” the department said.
The allegations made by the motorist have not been independently verified, and the department’s review remains ongoing.