Newark – Officer Involved in DWI Crash Was Barhopping on Duty

One of the four Newark police officers involved in a wrong-way crash was drunk and was barhopping on duty, according to authorities.

55 year-old Michael Chirico was charged after he driving his vehicle the wrong way on University Avenue, eventually crashing into a vehicle containing a mother and four children.

The mother sustained minor injuries and was brought to a hospital for treatment.

Surveillance footage and other evidence uncovered that the officers were barhopping while in uniform and on duty for the Newark Police Department.

42 year-old Lt. Norberto Soares, and 33 year-old Erik Blount and 35 year-old Tashia Jones were charged with tampering with public records, after investigators found false entries made by the officers, which included claims that they’ve responded to incidents that they have not responded to.

We would like to send our sympathies to the victim injured in this crash. We hope she is able to recover from her injuries quickly.

Vehicular Accidents

Vehicular crashes are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the state of New Jersey. In a report published by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accidents Investigation Unit, there were 591 recorded fatal crashes that occurred in 2017, which caused 624 fatalities.

In 158 of the 591 crashes, Driving While Intoxicated (alcohol and/or drugs) was listed as the major contributing factor. There were 174 people killed as a result of these 158 crashes. Speeding was another major contributing factor to these crashes being listed as a factor in 61 of the crashes. Driving while distracted seems to be the biggest factor as it was listed as a cause for 196 crashes.

We urge drivers to observe and follow the laws while driving, and to remain focused while driving so that they can react accordingly to situations that may suddenly pop up on the roadway. Drivers should be more careful when driving while visibility is low, and they should also check their car before going on the roadway. Being more diligent and prepared can help lessen accidents on the roads of New Jersey.