Off-duty police officer charged with aggravated assault at Paterson Lounge

Paterson

By: Najla Alexander

Authorities in Passaic County announce the arrest of 33-year-old Valentin Torres of Paterson.

Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said the defendant was arrested without incident on October 2, 2024 in Totowa by members of the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Public Integrity Unit.Officials said the defendant was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and third-degree receiving stolen property.

The penalty for a second degree felony in New Jersey State Prison is 5-10 years; A third-degree felony carries three to five years in New Jersey state prison, officials say.

According to officials, the investigation was conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Public Integrity Unit and the Paterson Police Department.

It is alleged that at approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 23, 2024, off-duty Paterson Police Officer Valentin Torres conspired with co-defendant Jonathan Cristobal to commit an aggravated assault on a victim at the Mancora Lounge in the City of Paterson. say the authorities.

The investigation revealed that Cristobal was in possession of a handgun, which he gave to Torres shortly before the attack, officials said. Cristobal punched the victim in the face, knocking out several of his teeth.

During the attack, officers said Torres was carrying the handgun in the front of his waistband and at some point removed the handgun and held it in his right hand. After the attack, Torres drove away from the scene and Cristobal fled on foot.

Moments later, Paterson police stopped the vehicle driven by Torres a short distance from the scene. Officials said Torres was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

Officials say a subsequent search of the vehicle he was driving turned up a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen in North Carolina.

According to the authorities, the defendant is scheduled to be brought before the central court hearing on October 2nd.
Advertisement Officials said co-defendant Jonathan Cristobal was arrested Sept. 13 and charged with second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second-degree prohibition of possession of firearms by certain persons.