VIDEO: Dashcam Video Clears New Jersey Officer of Wrongdoing During Traffic Stop
Dashcam Video Clears New Jersey Officer of Wrongdoing During Traffic Stop
During the traffic stop, officers broke out the passenger side window of Cephas' car and pulled him physically from the vehicle. Cephas contacted local and national media and, because this was shortly after the shooting of Michael Brown, the media pounced on the story.

Around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, North Brunswick, N.J., police officer Richard De La Cruz pulled over a car driven by Leonard Cephas for a rolling violation, specifically blowing a stop sign.
During the traffic stop, officers broke out the passenger side window of Cephas' car and pulled him physically from the vehicle. Cephas contacted local and national media and, because this was shortly after the shooting of Michael Brown, the media pounced on the story.
The reporters contacted both Cephas and the North Brunswick PD.
Cephas recorded his encounter with De La Cruz and other officers.
So did De La Cruz.
The officer's squad car had recently been outfitted with a WatchGuard Video system that started recording when the officer activated the car's emergency lights to pull over Cephas.
The official video shows Officer De La Cruz dealing with an uncooperative Cephas who will not roll down the windows of his car and has locked himself in the vehicle.
Other officers arrived to back up De La Cruz who repeatedly warned Cephas that, if he didn't roll down the window, the officers would break the window and arrest him. Cephas refused to roll down the window. Officers broke the window, pulled him out, proned him out on the ground, and arrested him.
After watching the official video, the reporters decided Cephas' claim of police brutality did not hold up.
"The video in this incident saved a lot of headaches for the department as well as Officer De La Cruz," says Capt. Brian Hoiberg of the North Brunswick PD.
Cephas was charged with driving under the influence and resisting arrest. Marijuana was reportedly found in his car.
More Technology
Learning How to Manage Your Fleet?
Watch this tutorial on how fleet management platforms work. You’ll see how easily you can integrate fleet telematics, dash cameras, and asset management in a single pane of glass and manage your fleet more effectively.
Read More →From the Show Floor: Semtech
Learn about the latest ruggedized routers designed for public safety vehicles as POLICE visits with Greg Hill of Semtech. These routers are equipped with the latest 5G technology.
Read More →How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management
Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.
Read More →
Genetec Showcases Its Latest Public Safety Innovations at IACP 2025
Genetec demonstrated its Cloudrunner, Citigraf, and Clearance during IACP 2025 to show how they can provide law enforcement with a unified situational awareness to make cities safer.
Read More →
Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight
Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.
Read More →
Beyond the Plate: Real-Time Video Intelligence for Police Operations
Join us for an inside look at how agencies are enhancing frontline decision-making with visual intelligence that goes beyond the plate. This session will show how pairing LPR data with live camera feeds delivers faster, safer, and more coordinated responses—on everything from stolen vehicles to active BOLOs.
Read More →
Beyond the Scene: Next-Gen 3D Forensics
Crime scene documentation demands speed, precision and clarity. Join FARO’s forensic experts to explore how the latest 3D scanning innovations are transforming crime scene analysis. Learn how mobile and stationary 3D scanners streamline workflows, reduce human error and deliver courtroom-ready visuals. Whether you're focused on data integrity, operational efficiency or evidence presentation, this session will show you how to capture, analyze and communicate scene data faster and more accurately than ever before.
Read More →
Tampa Police Department Deploys More Than 950 5G Smartphones
Tampa Police Department has deployed more than 950 5G-enabled smartphones through Verizon Frontline to support its Connected Officer initiative and enhance field communications.
Read More →
Getac Introduces F120 Rugged Tablet and V120 Rugged Laptop
The new devices feature larger displays, AI-ready processors, and enhanced durability for police and first responders working in demanding environments.
Read More →
Montville Police Department Deploys Mark43 to Power Safer, Smarter Policing
The New Jersey agency has adopted Mark43 CAD, RMS, Analytics, and OnScene mobile tools to replace its legacy systems and improve daily operations.
Read More →
