N. Caldwell Teen Remains Hospitalized From Crash

A North Caldwell man and his 19-year-old son who are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and playing a racing game with each other last week could face more charges as one family member remains hospitalized with a broken back.

Michael Michura, 47, and his son, Joseph Michura, 19, were charged last week with DUI, improper passing, speeding and reckless driving after both of their vehicles crashed into trees at the T-bone intersection of East Greenbrook Road and Mountain Avenue during the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 1.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is now investigating the crash in conjunction with the North Caldwell Police Department because of the "serious nature of the injuries and the nature of the accident," Katherine Carter, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said Monday.

According to Carter, members of the prosecutor's office went to the scene last week to reconstruct the accident as officials still wait for toxicology results of the two drivers.

While four members of the family returned home last week, Michael Michura's 17-year-old son remained hospitalized with a broken back on Monday, Carter said.

North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer said last week Michael and Joseph Michura were likely engaged in "horseplay" with a type of racing game as each traveled eastbound in separate vehicles on East Greenbrook Road.

According to Deuer, both drivers failed to stop at the T-bone intersection with Mountain Avenue and proceeded into the wooded area where each vehicle crashed into a tree at about 1:15 a.m.

Joseph Michura, whose Audi struck a tree near the roadside of Mountain Avenue before catching on fire, suffered a compound femur fracture, while his mother sustained serious internal injuries, Deuer said. The third passenger, Joseph Michura's 17-year-old brother, suffered a broken back.

Michael Michura, whose Ford sedan traveled approximately 50 feet off the roadway before striking a tree, sustained minor injuries and facial lacerations, Deuer said. Michura's 14-year-old son, who was the lone passenger in his vehicle, also suffered minor injuries, Deuer said.

The family was driving to their home on Brookside Terrace from a friend's house in Fairfield when the crash occurred.

Carter said no further action has been taken since the initial charges were made last week by the North Caldwell Police Department.

But Carter said the investigation remains ongoing with additional charges possible against both parents, Joseph Michura and the Fairfield homeowners.