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What happens when a Hollywood icon gets pulled over for expired plates? For Ice-T, it led to a heated showdown with a New Jersey cop.
The 66-year-old rapper was stopped last May for driving his Porsche with tags that hadn't been updated in over three years.
In newly released bodycam footage, which was shared on Thursday, January 2 via YouTube, the officer is heard informing Ice-T, whose real name is Tracy Marrow, "You know your registration [has been] expired since 2021?"
The Law & Order: SVU star replied, "That's where I'm going," adding, "Yesterday I went to the DMV, and they said their system's down. So, that's where I'm headed."
The officer then stated, "You need to have an appointment to go to the DMV." Without skipping a beat, Ice-T declared, "I don't need one. They know me."
But the cop wasn't buying it and threatened to tow the car. "You're not finna tow my f***ing vehicle," the actor said before stepping out of his vehicle. "If I'm not under arrest, I'm getting out of the car." That's when things got tense.
"Give me my paperwork, you f***ing a**hole," Ice-T demanded. "Give me my f***ing paperwork. Get this on camera. I'm a foot away from the DMV. You're a f***ing a**hole!" In the footage, the "I'm Your Pusher" singer is seen getting close to the officer. "Don't touch me," the cop is heard saying. "Keep your distance. I'm telling you to keep your distance!"
Things eventually calmed down when another cop from the Judson County Sheriff's Office arrived and worked to de-escalate the situation. The sergeant even tried to convince the patrol officer to write fewer tickets, but the cop stuck to his guns, issuing Ice-T four citations: expired registration, driving with a suspended license, no inspection sticker, and missing front plates.
The officer handed over Ice-T's keys and ended the interaction with, "Just next time show some respect." Staying true to his unfiltered style, the hip-hop artist responded, "I don't have to."
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