By: Richard L. Smith
On March 8th, Passaic County officials reported the arrest of Mr. Mohammed Abuhaj after an investigation into an attempted murder that took place on that day in Clifton.
Prosecutor Passaic County Prosecutor Carmelia M. Valdes said Clifton Police Department responded to a residential address in Clifton on a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.
Upon arrival, they located a 31-year-old Clifton resident who sustained life-threatening injuries from being struck by a vehicle driven by Abuhaj.
Police say the victim was immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment.
Prosecutor Valdes said that based on the investigation Abuhaj was identified as the actor who struck the victim with his vehicle causing him to sustain serious life-threatening injuries.
The victim will remain unidentified pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.
According to Prosecutor Valdes, authorities charged Abuhaj with Attempted Murder, First Degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Third Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Fourth Degree.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention in this matter that a Superior Court Judge will hear.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, Abuhaj is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.