Merrick Woman Arrested for Felony DWI, Leaving Scene of an Accident

A Merrick woman was apprehended by New York State Police on the Southern State Parkway Tuesday night for leaving the scene of the accident.

According to New York State Police, at about 11:16 p.m., a GMC Suburban operated by Cheryl Laurino of Merrick was heading eastbound on the Southern State Parkway near exit 29 when the GMC moved from lane unsafely and struck a Jeep, causing the Jeep to loose control and strike a Hyundai. 

Police said that the GMC then rolled over the guide rail and into the westbound lanes before striking a Mazda. When the GMC became disabled, the operator attempted to flee the scene on foot before being apprehended by off duty police officers at the accident scene.   

Laurino was transported to Nassau University Medical Center(NUMC) for minor injuries and the operator of the Jeep was transported to NUMC and treated for a broken wrist. No other injuries were reported.

She was charged with assault in the second degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle in the second degree, leaving the scene of an accident and numerous traffic violations. 

The defendant was held for arraignment in Nassau County First District Court.

The arrest information was supplied by the New York State Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.