New Jersey Detective Charged in Off-Road Ski Slope Crash

Officials say a New Jersey detective was drunk when he injured his family off-roading on a ski slope.

Police issued a driving while intoxicated summons to 39-year-old Michael Fertitta weeks after he was charged with child endangerment and assault with a vehicle.

His attorney, James Pomaco, tells The Record Fertitta has pleaded not guilty and is suspended with pay from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

His wife has also pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges.

Sussex County authorities say the couple had been drinking at a winery when they went off-roading on May 4. Their Jeep Wrangler tumbled down the steep ski slope, throwing their 6-year-old son from the vehicle. He suffered a concussion.

Authorities say Fertitta had a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit.