Driver Who Flipped Off Westfield Cop In Video Found Not Guilty: Report

WESTFIELD, NJ — A driver was found not guilty of careless driving after he previously claimed he was pulled over and ticketed for giving a Westfield Police Officer the middle finger - all of which was shared in a video on social media in August 2023, according to Tapinto Westfield.

On Thursday, Westfield Municipal Judge Parag Patel found driver Nathan Marianovsky not guilty due to reasonable doubt after hearing testimony and viewing Marianovsky's dashcam footage from that night, according to Tapinto Westfield.

In August, a 12-plus minute video was posted on YouTube by a group called Lackluster showing the traffic stop and claimed to have caught a "rookie" Westfield Police Officer lying about why he pulled over the driver.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro made a statement addressing the video after it was posted in August. Read More: Video Alleging Westfield Cop Lied During Traffic Stop To Be Investigated

"The allegations made in this video will be thoroughly and completely investigated, this to determine if the officer’s actions were lawful and proper," said Battiloro at the time.

The video pointed out that Marianovsky was issued a citation for careless driving and the ticket was checked as the driver having a commercial vehicle and carrying hazardous material. The driver can be seen in the video driving a 2006 Honda.

In the video, the driver Marianovsky gives the officer the middle finger prior to the stop. The video claims this is the reasoning for the stop and citation.

Battiloro did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment on the outcome of the ticket hearing.

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