A Huntington man was arraigned today on upgraded charges in an alleged drunken driving crash that seriously injured another driver and her daughter.
Eugene Golden, 60, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including three charges of aggravated vehicular assault.
Prosecutors say Golden was traveling north on Woodbury Road in his Mercedes-Benz SUV when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Nissan traveling southbound head-on.
Prosecutors allege that Golden had a blood alcohol content of 0.27, more than three times the legal limit. His attorney argues that Golden was not intoxicated.
"There is witness testimony of people who were with him that evening indicating that he wasn't intoxicated at all, so he couldn't have a reading that high," says Bruce Barket.
Yiling Hu, the 43-year-old driver of the Nissan, suffered multiple fractures and required surgery. Her 10-year-old daughter Jasina required brain surgery. She now has serious vision, memory and cognitive problems.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to increase bond to $150,000 cash, but that was denied. He remains free on $5,000 cash bail.
Golden is due back in court July 8. He faces up to five to 15 years in prison.