🚔 SUSSEX COUNTY GOP CHAIRMAN ARRESTED ON GUN-RELATED CHARGES 🚔

STILLWATER, NJ — Sussex County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph LaBarbera was arrested Saturday following an incident in Stillwater Township that authorities are investigating as a reported road-rage confrontation.

According to New Jersey State Police, troopers responded at approximately 2:18 p.m. September 12 to reports of a road-rage incident on Millbrook Road. Investigators allege that a driver of a Mercedes-Benz SUV displayed and pointed a handgun at the driver of a Kia SUV before leaving the area. No injuries were reported to the Kia driver or a juvenile passenger.

Authorities identified the Mercedes driver as 50-year-old Joseph LaBarbera of Hardwick. He was later located at a restaurant on County Road 521 in Stillwater Township and arrested.

LaBarbera faces charges including aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unjustified display of a firearm, and endangering the welfare of a child.

⚖️ LaBarbera was released after appearing before a municipal court judge and entering a not-guilty plea, according to the New Jersey Globe.

LaBarbera has served as chairman of the Sussex County Republican Committee since 2023.

Several Republican state legislators and Sussex County commissioners have called for LaBarbera to step aside from his party leadership position while the criminal case proceeds.

The charges are allegations, and LaBarbera is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

📲 Garden State News Network will continue following developments in this case.