State Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs, representing Harlem, was taken into custody by the NYPD on Thursday after he interfered with a traffic stop involving his brother’s car. The incident occurred when officers from the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group pulled over Gibbs’ brother for a broken taillight near Lexington Avenue and East 117th Street in East Harlem. Gibbs, a friend of Mayor Eric Adams, arrived at the scene and allegedly instructed his brother to exit the vehicle, despite police orders for both men to remain in place.
Gibbs ignored multiple warnings from the officers, leading to his arrest. After being released, Gibbs admitted that he had “interfered with an NYPD stop” and stated that the police “did nothing wrong.” He apologized for his actions, acknowledging that he acted inappropriately while the traffic stop was still active.
This isn’t the first time Gibbs has encountered legal troubles. In the 1980s, he dealt crack cocaine and later served time in Rikers Island after being charged with murder. He ultimately worked out a plea deal for manslaughter, claiming the shooting was in self-defense. In 2022, Gibbs made history as the first person elected to the New York State legislature who had previously served time in prison.
Following this recent incident, Gibbs was issued a disorderly conduct summons and emphasized the importance of respecting law enforcement during traffic stops.