Off-Duty Paterson Cop Held Stolen Gun As Pal Knocked Victim's Teeth Out At Lounge: Prosecutor

A 33-year-old Paterson police officer is facing charges for his role in an assault that happened at a local lounge, and a subsequent motor vehicle stop in which he was DUI, officials said.

Jonathan Cristobal and Valentin Torres.
Photo Credit: *Passaic County Prosecutor's Office*

Cecilia Levine

10/02/2024 11:37 a.m.

Valentin Torres was off duty when he was handed a gun by Jonathan Cristobal at Mancora Lounge around 2 a.m. on Aug. 23, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said.

Cristobal punched the victim in the face, knocking out several teeth, Valdes said. As he did so, Torres had the gun in the front of his waistband, and at one point took out the handgun and held it in his right hand, the prosecutor said. After the assault, Torres drove away from the scene and Cristobal fled on foot.

Moments later, the vehicle being driven by Torres was pulled over by Paterson police. Torres was arrested and charged with DUI, Valdes said.

A search of the vehicle Torres was driving turned up a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen out of North Carolina.

Torres was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 2 in Totowa, and charged with weapons offenses, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and receiving stolen property.

Cristobal was arrested on Sept. 13 and charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Cristobal was ordered detained pretrial by Judge Scott Rumana on Sept. 18.

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