Collings Lakes Man Arrested in Fatal ATV Crash

Back on September 20, 2019, an ATV crashed into a tree on West Colton Lane in Buena Vista Township. One man on the ATV sustained critical injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the ATV, according to State Police, fled the scene before police arrived, leaving the other man behind.

Now, that ATV driver has been charged with  allegedly driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of a crash.

New Jersey State Police say Michael Brown, 35, of Collings Lakes, was arrested for the incident, which claimed the life of Christopher Vasinda, 34, of Williamstown.

Police have released these details of the crash:

On September 20, 2019, at approximately 9:29 p.m., troopers from Troop "A" Buena Vista Station were dispatched to the report of a motor vehicle crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on West Colton Lane in Buena Vista Township, Atlantic County. Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives with the State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit determined that Brown was driving a Honda ATV on West Colton Lane. Near the intersection of West Cushman Avenue, Brown went off the road and struck a tree, ejecting Brown and the passenger, Vasinda, from the ATV. Christopher Vasinda sustained fatal injuries during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. After the crash, Brown fled to a residence in the area where he was arrested for suspicion of DWI.

Last week, according to State Police, "detectives with the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, along with members of the State Police K-9 Unit, U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, arrested Brown at a business in Berlin Borough, Camden County."

Brown has also been charged with receiving stolen property, leaving the scene of a motor crash resulting in death, and causing death while driving suspended.

He was taken to the Atlantic County Jail pending a court appearance.

SOURCE: New Jersey State Police