Story by Ethan
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that Monday December 2nd, 2024, Jose M. Sumba Astudillo was taken into custody for his involvement in a serious motor vehicle accident. Astudillo was charged with second-degree Providing a False Report to Law Enforcement, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4a; third-degree Hindering Apprehension, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3b(4); and fourth-degree Obstructing the Administration of Law, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1a.
The police allege that day prior on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, at around 2:28 a.m., the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department, Lodi Police Department, and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office responded to a serious single-car accident on Route 46 West, in Hasbrouck Heights. Responding officers determined that all three passengers were injured as the 2019 Hyundai they were in collided with a highway divider. Other than Astudillo, passenger Angel S. Uzhca Yadaicela was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he ultimately passed away. The third unnamed passenger was also taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where they still remain in critical condition.
Police state that Astudillo initially claimed to be a passenger, and that the driver fled the scene after the crash. He was then taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where his injuries were deemed to not be serious or critical. Following the crash, an investigation was launched by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, which revealed that Astudillo made false statements when the police arrived at the scene of the crash. It was revealed that Astudillo was in fact the driver of the Hyundai prior to the accident, and that he was also under the influence of alcohol. Soon after, Astudillo was charged with second-degree Providing a False Report to Law Enforcement, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, and fourth-degree Obstructing the Administration of Law.