Joseph Labarbera arrested after New Jersey road rage incident

Joseph Labarbera, the Sussex County Republican Chairman, was arrested following a road rage incident in Stillwater, New Jersey. According to court documents, the confrontation involved a firearm and an 18-month-old child.

State Police reports indicate that the driver of a Kia Telluride alleged Labarbera, driving a Mercedes SUV, was tailgating him. When the driver pulled over to allow passing, an argument ensued. The driver told 911 operators that Labarbera pointed a Sig Sauer P365X at him and threatened to shoot. The driver also stated that his 18-month-old daughter was in the direct line of fire during the incident.

Labarbera told troopers that he stopped to check on the driver after the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road with hazard lights on. He claimed the driver insulted him and threatened to shoot, which prompted him to unholster his weapon. While no weapon was found on his person during the initial frisk, troopers recovered a gun from his vehicle's center console.

Labarbera has pleaded not guilty. He faces charges including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering a child by a non-caretaker, aggravated assault with a firearm, and unjustified display of a gun by a gun permit carrier. Following the arrest, Democratic officials have called for his removal, while Republican leaders have requested he take a leave of absence.