Story by Ethan
On June 3rd, 2026, the arrest of Johan M. Valencia-Restrepo, age 35, was announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Johan M. Valencia-Restrepo was charged with third-degree Assault by Auto (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c), and fourth-degree Assault by Auto (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c), in addition to other unspecified motor vehicle offenses. The arrest and charges against Johan M. Valencia-Restrepo were a result of an investigation handled by the River Edge Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, at approximately 2:55 a.m. on June 3rd, 2026, a motor vehicle crash was reported at the intersection of Kinderkamack Road and Midland Avenue. Responding officers from the River Edge Police Department located a vehicle with two occupants crashed into a building on the intersection and in flames. Johan M. Valencia-Restrepo alongside a 32-year-old female passenger were transported by ambulance to a local hospital with severe injuries. A resident of the building the vehicle crashed into was also taken to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Investigation into the crash revealed that Johan M. Valencia-Restrepo was the driver of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. As the defendant was driving eastbound on Midland Avenue approaching Kinderkamack Road he failed to complete a left-hand or right-hand turn. The vehicle continued forwards before leaving the road and crashing into a building.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Johan M. Valencia-Restrepo are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
