Cop Admits To Off-Duty DWI Crash In Passaic Co., Avoids Jail Time

PATERSON, NJ — A Paterson police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to driving while intoxicated. Noel Ramos will enter the Pre-Trial Intervention Program and avoid jail time after causing a three-vehicle crash that injured someone in February, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.

Police responded Feb. 13 to a multi-vehicle crash around 432 Lexington Ave. in Clifton. They found Ramos's 2019 Dodge Challenger in the middle of the road, according to the prosecutor's office. Ramos, who was off-duty, struck an occupied vehicle, which caused it to hit a third vehicle, authorities said. The crash injured the occupant, according to officials.

The investigation revealed that Ramos drove his car recklessly and had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit, the prosecutor's office said. The 27-year-old Garfield resident was charged March 24 with assault by auto causing bodily injury within 1,000 feet of school property (third-degree), driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.

The City of Paterson suspended Ramos in March, according to NorthJersey.com.

In addition to pre-trial intervention, Ramos must install an ignition-interlock device in his car.