Family of Newark high school cheerleader injured in hit-and-run sues BOE, county for $150 million

The family of an 18-year-old Newark cheerleader who was critically injured in a hit-and-run in February is now suing the Newark Board of Education, the school district and the county for $150 million.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office says Mia’Jah Burton, 33, was driving a Kia Forte on Feb. 4 when she struck Chiara Jones , an Arts High School cheerleader who was just getting off a bus from a cheerleading competition. Officials say Burton struck the teen and did not stop.

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The family claims the bus driver bringing the cheerleading team home from a tournament failed to put on the flashing lights and did not extend the stop arm before Jones exited the bus and crossed the street.

The lawsuit says Jones is suffering with multiple life-threatening injuries, traumatic brain injury and is in a persistent vegetative state.