NJ Teen Critically Hurt After Drivers Drank Alcohol, Crashed: PD

A South Jersey teen was critically hurt after two drivers allegedly drank alcohol and crashed their ATVs this weekend, police said.

The crash happened at approximately 10:20 p.m. Friday when officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Columbia Road in Mullica Township for a motor vehicle crash, police said.

Upon arrival, the responding officers found two people lying in the roadway with head injuries, police said.

Atlanticare EMS arrived shortly after and treated a 14-year-old juvenile and a 42-year-old man, identified as James Kraus of Egg Harbor Township. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries while Kraus sustained moderate injuries, police said.

Both were transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden.

The investigation revealed that four people riding on two ATVs crashed into each other, and one of them left the roadway and struck a tree. One of the ATV's was operated by Kraus, while the other was operated by Aaron Kraus, 20, of Egg Harbor Township, police said.

Police believe both drivers consumed alcohol prior to the crash. DUI charges are pending as well.

Aaron also had a juvenile passenger on his vehicle. The 16-year-old passenger was treated also for minor injuries at Atlanticare Hospital, police said.

Charges on both drivers for a wide range of traffic offenses are pending.