A traffic stop Tuesday night took an unusual turn when a driver provided a “stage name” to a Lakewood police officer, only for a records check to reveal three outstanding warrants under that same name, officials say.
An officer stopped a vehicle near Prospect Street and Williams Street after discovering that its registration was suspended.
The driver told the officer he did not have his credentials with him and provided a name and date of birth. A records check revealed three active warrants under the name he provided, and he was placed under arrest.
Following the arrest, officers identified the driver as Kore James, 33, of Toms River. Police determined that the name he initially provided was an alias he had used previously and confirmed that all three warrants were issued for him.
James was also charged by summons with hindering apprehension for allegedly providing false identifying information.
“Most people reach for their license during a traffic stop,” Chief Meyer said. “This driver went with a stage name. It turned out the warrants knew him by that name, too.”
Man Who Used ‘Stage Name’ During Traffic Stop, Placed In a Staged Prison Cell, Arraigned Before Stage Judge
A man who used a stage name during a traffic stop in Lakewood, NJ, on Tuesday was arrested and brought to a nearby film studio where he was placed in a stage prison cell and arraigned before a stage judge.
The stage judge, a well-respected actor whose presided over dozens of staged court trials in various films, sentenced the man with the stage name to six months in the film studio’s mock prison facility where hundreds of on-screen, movie villains are currently being detained.
“Let’s take a short break before we rehearse the arraignment scene one more time,” the stage producer told the stage cast, which compelled the traffic stop detainee to let out a deep sigh and to ask: “How many more times are we gonna rehearse these staged scenes before I lose patience and stage a violent riot?!
“This whole acting and staging business is not at all what it’s cracked up to be,” he added. “I mean, even the food they’re serving us for lunch is staged! You don’t believe me, do you?! Just take a look at the tuna sandwiches, they’re toys made out of plastic! This is ridiculous! Goodbye! I’m out of here!”