MAYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

On Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:27 PM, Detective Christopher Nichols was traveling north on Maywood Avenue near the intersection of Passaic Street when he observed a BMW M4 being operated in a reckless manner. The BMW was tailgating another vehicle and overtook it after entering the opposite lane of travel. Detective Nichols attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop when the BMW rapidly accelerated, entering the intersection of East Passaic Street and the Esplanade, where it struck a vehicle stopped at a stop sign. The driver of this vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

 

Despite sustaining heavy front-end damage, the BMW fled the scene of the accident, traveling south on the Esplanade. It eventually became disabled at the intersection of the Esplanade and East Magnolia Avenue where the driver, Christian Valentin, 20, of Hackensack, was arrested. Two other occupants in the vehicle were detained but later released at the scene. Maywood Police K9 Ryker assisted with the apprehension.

 

Mr. Valentin was charged with Eluding in a Motor Vehicle (2nd Degree) and Assault by Auto. He also received twelve motor vehicle summonses. Mr. Valentin was transported to the Bergen County Jail where he was lodged pending his court hearing.

 

These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

The Maywood Police Department would like to thank the Hackensack Police Department for their assistance.