'Not Guilty' Plea For Ex-School Superintendent After DWI Crash: Court

SAYVILLE, NY — The former Port Washington Schools Superintendent charged with drunk driving after crashing into a motorcyclist on Long Island last year pleaded not guilty to upgraded charges of vehicular assault on Friday, court officials told Patch.

In November, Michael Hynes—who, at the time, was stepping down as superintendent— was driving on Railroad Avenue in Sayville when he turned left onto Depot Street and crashed into a motorcycle operated by 63-year-old Alberto Fernandez of Sayville, police said.

Fernandez was transported to Bay Shore's South Shore University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries, police said. Hynes was transported to the same hospital with minor injuries.

Hynes was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.

On Thursday, Patch reported that Hynes is now facing upgraded charges of second-degree vehicular assault, according to court records. Court records also show that Hynes had a blood alcohol level of at least 0.08.

On Friday, Hynes was arraigned on the new charges and pleaded not guilty before Supreme Court Justice John Collins. He was released on his own recognizance, court officials said.

He is due back in court on April 11, according to the court.

After the crash, Port Washington UFSD decided to expedite Hynes' departure, a spokesperson for the district confirmed with Patch, saying: "The district is aware of the incident involving our superintendent of schools, Dr. Michael Hynes. We are gathering additional information. Dr. Christopher Shields has been appointed acting superintendent of schools, effective immediately. When more information is available, the community will be updated."