Vehicular Assault Charged

A woman accused of driving under the influence of oxycodone when she hit an East Hampton couple standing on the side of Sunrise Highway in August was arraigned Monday on elevated charges of vehicular assault. 

Ulyana Yaremko, 20, of Hampton Bays pleaded not guilty to the eight-count indictment before Justice Fernando Camacho in Suffolk County Criminal Court. 

State police said Ms. Yaremko lost control of her 2007 Pontiac, skidded sideways, and hit Crystal Hayes, 34, and Christopher King, 39, and their vehicle, before ending up off the shoulder and in the woods. 

According to the indictment, when asked by state police what medications she takes, Ms. Yaremko said she had taken two Percocet that morning for back pain. A state trooper also allegedly noticed an odor of marijuana in her car. At the scene of the accident, she said, “It’s not my fault . . . it’s not my fault.” She told police she was looking at the fire and when she turned her head back toward the road, she saw a car in front of her stopping, hit the brakes, and swerved to the right.

She was initially charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor. A grand jury indicted her on felony charges late last month because of the seriousness of the victims’ injuries. 

Ms. Hayes had broken legs, a shattered pelvis, broken ribs, and a broken jaw. She has had seven surgeries so far and is still not able to walk. Mr. King suffered a head injury and a broken pelvis.

Justice Camacho set bail at $10,000. Free on a $10,000 bond that her family posted after her initial arraignment in Southampton Town Justice Court, Ms. Yaremko remains free. She is due back in court on Dec. 14.