Newburgh City Councilman Omari Shakur, was arrested Thursday night by State Police in Newburgh for failing to stop at a red light on South William Street and Benkard Avenue.

“I was arrested myself the other night,” Shakur said at Monday night’s city council meeting. “Because it will be in court in a few weeks I will not make a statement now.”

The State Police report said Shakur refused to produce identification and to exit the vehicle and reportedly told the Trooper, “F—- you, arrest me.”

He was placed under arrest for obstructing of governmental administration and was transported to the State Police Montgomery barracks and released with a uniform traffic ticket and an appearance ticket returnable to Newburgh City Court.

Shakur said he believed he had been targeted by the State Police.

“Seven cars were in front of my house for an hour,” Shakur said, “stopping people until I got there.”

Shakur invited residents to come to his court appearance on Aug. 26.

“Come on out,” he said. “I will make a statement then.”

Members of the public, at Monday’s City Council meeting questioned the presence of the State Police in Newburgh.

“Why do we need State Troopers in the City when we have an adequate police force,” asked Cynthia Gilkerson of Grand Street.

Carla Johnson of South Miller Street, asked the same question, adding that “(troopers) harass many people who look like me.”

Mayor Torrance Harvey said State Police can go wherever they want in New York State.

“You can’t say to a State Trooper, ‘you can’t come to Newburgh.’”

When Johnson pressed the matter, Harvey told her to file a complaint with the State Attorney General, who does have jurisdiction over the State Police.

Councilman Anthony Grice suggested the city could look into how the troopers are operating in Newburgh.

“I have a new friend in Albany. Her name is Letitia James. I have her on speed dial,” Harvey said. “If there is a matter with the State Police I will be on the phone with her.”

While several council member had comments about the State Police presence in the city, only Councilman Bob Sklarz addressed Shakur’s arrest.

“We get it, but you refused to follow a police directive to stop. You used vulgar language,” Sklarz said. “You have been censured by this council for similar behavior in the past. This council should consider a similar measure.”