Merrick woman charged with DWI, vehicular assault after crash

A Merrick woman was arrested and charged with vehicular assault and DWI, after, according to New York State Police, she started a multi-car accident on the Southern State Parkway on July 31.

Police allege that Cheryl Laurino, 43, was driving eastbound on the Southern State Parkway at about 11 p.m. near exit 29, when the GMC Suburban she was operating unsafely switched lanes. Her vehicle struck a Jeep, causing it to lose control and hit a Hyundai.

Laurino’s GMC rolled over the guardrail into the westbound lane, police said, when it struck a Mazda. When the GMC became disabled, Laurino allegedly attempted to run off. She was apprehended by off-duty police officers.

Laurino suffered a broken wrist in the accident and was transported to the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow for treatment. She was charged with three felonies — second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and DWI. According to police, it was Laurino’s second DWI charge in the past 10 years.

Other charges include second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of an accident and numerous traffic violations. She was held for arraignment in 1st District Court in Hempstead, where she pleaded not guilty.

Laurino was held without bail. She is due back in court on Aug. 8. Her attorney could not be contacted for comment as of press time.