Crime & Safety

Woman Who Drove Shooting Victim to Hospital Pleads Not Guilty

Kimberly Delrio says it has been a difficult time for her as her child's father was one of the two men killed in a crash in Southampton in late April.

The pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges related to fleeing police.

Kimberly Delrio, 22, who lives in Springs, appeared before Lisa R. Rana two weeks after . Frederic Stephens Jr., , went with her to court, with his arm still in a sling from the injury he received after being shot with a 44-caliber handgun on May 24.

Represented by the Legal Aid Society, Delrio — who appeared at times to be crying in court on Thursday — entered a plea of not guilty to the charges felony reckless endangerment in the first-degree and misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and fleeing a police officer, as well as several traffic violations, such as speeding, failure to stop, and talking on a cellphone.

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Outside of court, Delrio said only that she was going through a rough time; , the father of her 1-year-old daughter was killed approximately on April 28.

Village Police Chief Jerry Larsen said the chase could have killed someone along the road.

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But, Stephens' , at the arraignment of the alleged shooter . When asked if Delrio saved his life in driving him to the hospital, Stephens said, "Who knows?" He declined to comment further.

According to Justice Rana, Delrio was driving with a suspended license on the night of the shooting. It had been suspended on April 16, for failure to pay $365 in fines related to guilty pleas she entered in December 2011 for driving without a license and with an equipment violation.

The prosecution served grand jury notice and Delrio was released on her own recognizance. The case was adjourned until July 19.

Delrio was behind the wheel of a Hyundai Elantra that police pulled over for allegedly speeding through East Hampton Village on May 24 at about 8:30 p.m. One of the passengers, Stephens, jumped out and told police he had been shot. He soon got back into the car and it took off, leading police on a chase for 11 miles to Southampton Hospital.

Stephens underwent surgery to repair a torn artery in his arm. His friend with felony assault and weapons possession all stemming what Hanna and Stephens have called an accident.

Delrio was taken into custody that night, but released with an appearance ticket on the misdemeanor charges. The felony charge was later added.


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