Jackson man charged after viral traffic stop appears in court
The case stems from a traffic stop in June that was recorded by Holmes and shared on social media.
Jamaal Holmes, whose traffic stop with Jackson Township police gained widespread attention online, made his first court appearance Thursday and plans to plead not guilty to the charges against him.
The case stems from a traffic stop in June that was recorded by Holmes and shared on social media.
According to the footage, an officer initially told Holmes his hoodie raised concerns because he was wearing it on an 80-degree day. Minutes later, officers said the stop was actually related to an expired vehicle inspection.
The encounter eventually escalated, with officers removing Holmes from the vehicle. He was later charged with obstruction and resisting arrest.
Holmes appeared in court Thursday for what was expected to be his arraignment.
"Mr. Holmes denies he committed any crime," said Joseph Champagne, Holmes' attorney. "Based on the video we have reviewed so far, Mr. Holmes asked a basic question: Why was he being stopped? A basic question deserves a basic answer."
Champagne told News 12 that Jackson Township police have not yet turned over the officers' body camera recordings from the incident.
He said the material is still being prepared for release.
The video circulating online was recorded entirely by Holmes.
"Thank God he did have the presence of mind and the intelligence to record some of the encounter," said Champagne. "We look forward to seeing what their video discovery will show."
The judge postponed Holmes' arraignment for 45 days to allow Jackson Township Police Department's records division additional time to provide the requested evidence.
"There is no telling whether or not it will be produced already at that time," said Champagne. "If it's not, then we will take the proper channel to file the appropriate motions to compel production of the discovery."
The case is scheduled to return to court following the 45-day adjournment.
