Injured Suspect Ditched Stolen Car After Kennedy Blvd. Crash

A suspect involved in a hit-and-run crash in the Jersey City Heights was found injured and later arrested after authorities determined the vehicle he was driving had been stolen, according to police reports obtained by HudPost.

On January 18, 2025, at approximately 5:30 AM, Jersey City police responded to a motor vehicle accident at Kennedy Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue. Officers later determined the vehicle had been stolen, and the suspect had fled on foot, the reports state.

Firefighters assisting at the scene identified the individual nearby, leading officers to locate Ludwig Valdez-Montesdeoc on Kennedy Boulevard. According to the report, he had a “significant injury to his face, consistent with a motor vehicle accident.” He was transported to a medical center for treatment.

While at the hospital, authorities reviewed video footage and confirmed Valdez-Montesdeoc matched the description of the suspect seen stealing the vehicle before the crash.

Valdez-Montesdeoc was arrested and charged with vehicle theft, unlawful possession and use of a vehicle as a weapon, reckless driving causing bodily injury, providing false information to hinder apprehension, and causing over $2,000 in property damage.

The damaged properties reportedly include the storefront of Manhattan Liquors, a U.S. Postal Service truck, a traffic pole, and another vehicle. Authorities also discovered Valdez-Montesdeoc had an active extradition warrant from Florida for possession of cannabis, according to the obtained reports.