Off-Duty Cop Took Part In Bar Beatdown, Then Got Pulled Over By Colleagues: NJ Officials

PATERSON, NJ — A Paterson police officer faces multiple charges, after authorities say he collaborated with another man to assault someone at Mancora Lounge and then fled the scene while under the influence.

The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said 33-year-old Valentin Torres was arrested on Wednesday, in connection with the aggravated assault the morning of Aug. 23. He was off-duty at the time.

Officials said Torres had a semi-automatic handgun, which was reported stolen out of North Carolina, in his car when fellow Paterson PD officers pulled him over and arrested him for DUI shortly after the assault.

Authorities had already arrested Jonathan Cristobal, who is accused of conspiring with Torres to beat up the victim, on Sept. 13. Officials said that Cristobal handed Torres the gun moments before he "punched the victim in the face and knocked out several teeth" inside the Prospect Street lounge.

"During the assault, Torres had the handgun in the front of his waistband, and at one point took out the handgun and held it in his right hand," Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said in a statement. "After the assault, Torres drove away from the scene and Cristobal fled on foot."

Valdes said that Paterson Police pulled Torres over not far from Mancora Lounge, and charged him with driving under the influence.

Torres faces second-degree charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, as well as a third-degree charge of receiving stolen property. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Wednesday.

Torres is currently suspended without pay and has been with the department since January 2018, according to a spokesperson for Paterson Police.

Cristobal was charged with second-degree aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain persons not to possess weapons. Judge Scott Rumana ordered him to remain detained ahead of trial.

Officials did not provide any details on a possible motive, and ask anyone who has additional information to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org.