Driver Accused In Main St. Hit-and-Run Pleads Not Guilty

Amanda Ashman of Glocester pleaded not guilty Friday in Kent County Superior Court to eight counts, including five felony charges, in connection with a hit-and-run that injured two people on Main Street Feb. 20.

Ashman, 23, was charged with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of an accident in which there was serious bodily injury (two counts), driving to endanger/personal injury and driving to endanger/physical injury, all felonies.

She also was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana – misdemeanors.

On Feb. 20, Ashman allegedly struck Gene Hemingway and Patricia Daniels, both of East Greenwich, on Main Street and fled the scene. Rhode Island State Police, who received a call alerting them to a speeding motorist who may be intoxicated, stopped Ashman’s car on Rt. 44 in Smithfield, where she was arrested.

Daniels was not seriously hurt. Hemingway, however, sustained serious injuries that kept him hospitalized for several months. He is out now, according to a friend, but remains unable to work.

Ashman is due back in court Sept. 10 for a pretrial hearing.