By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella has reported the arrest of a juvenile in connection with a serious motor vehicle accident that occurred on Friday, December 1.
The incident unfolded in the vicinity of Durie Avenue in Closter, leading to multiple injuries and charges of assault by auto.
According to authorities, at approximately 6:23 p.m. on that day, the Closter Police Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle accident involving a Tesla Model X.
Responding officers discovered the Tesla had veered off the road and collided with a tree.
The vehicle was being operated by a juvenile driver, with four additional juvenile passengers on board.
Tragically, the impact of the crash resulted in injuries to all passengers, with three of them sustaining serious bodily harm.
Subsequent investigations conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and the Closter Police Department uncovered that the vehicle had been traveling at an exceptionally high rate of speed immediately before the accident.
As a consequence of these findings, the juvenile driver now faces three counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, resulting in serious bodily injury, as stipulated under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1).
The juvenile has been released into the custody of a guardian and is slated to make their first appearance in the Chancery Division, Family Court, located in Hackensack.
It is important to note that Prosecutor Mark Musella has emphasized that the charges against the juvenile are mere accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the importance of safe practices on the road.