Man charged in hit and run that seriously injured college student

PATERSON -- Passaic County authorities say they've arrested a man in connection with a hit-and-run accident that left Montclair State University student Anna Semioli seriously injured.

Michael Choynowski was arrested Thursday after an extensive investigation by the prosecutor's office and the Clifton police department.

The 27-year-old North Arlington resident is charged with knowingly leaving the scene of an accident and endangering an injured victim. Both are third-degree crimes punishable by three to five years in prison.

Police told the family that Semioli's injuries were consistent with a hit and run, but all her sister knew at the time of the investigation is what Semioli said in her last phone call on Thursday night - that she was going to visit friends Montclair State University. No one had heard from her since.

A criminal complaint alleges Choynowski was driving a black Ram 1500 pickup truck eastbound on Route 46 last Friday night.

He allegedly struck 22-year-old Anna Semioli of Moonachie, who was crossing the highway near the Valley Road exit in Clifton.

She remains in critical condition in the hospital, according to published reports.

Choynowki's lawyer didn't immediately return a message left at his office Thursday.