Press Release

Press Releases << WAYNE, NJ MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT BY AUTO RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY WHEN DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2023

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of JASON LOPEZ (DOB: 1/03/1984; single; unemployed) of 105 Carol Place, Wayne, NJ. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and the Ridgewood Police Department under the direction of Chief Jacqueline Luthcke.

On Friday, March 3, 2023, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the Ridgewood Police Department received a 911 call reporting a single vehicle accident at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Rock Road. Responding officers found a 2022 Honda Accord with three occupants, which had left the roadway and struck a tree. Two of the occupants were transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment of serious bodily injuries. The driver, identified as JASON LOPEZ, was also transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment of bodily injuries. Further investigation revealed that LOPEZ was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

As a result of the investigation, JASON LOPEZ was charged with two counts of third-degree assault by auto resulting in serious bodily injury while driving while intoxicated, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c); as well as motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container. LOPEZ is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and he would also like to thank the Ridgewood Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation.