Merrick Crossing Guard Crash's Accused Driver Pleads Not Guilty: Court Docs

MINEOLA, NY. — The driver accused of hitting a Merrick crossing guard with his car while driving while impaired by drugs pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges Friday, court records show.

According to court filings, Queens resident Joshua Alvarado was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty to a second-degree count of vehicular assault, a second-degree count of assault, one count of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) by drugs and one count of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs.

Alvarado's next court appearance is scheduled for March 4, court filings show. Court filings say his bail was set at $500,000 cash, $1.25 million insured bond or $2.5 million partially secured surety bond.

Alvarado was arrested Thursday after police said he had struck a NCPD crossing guard with the Toyota Tacoma he was driving. The crossing guard, police said Thursday, was left in critical condition.