A Manhattan Criminal Court judge has ordered Daniel Hyden to be held without bail following his arraignment on July 6 for allegedly killing three people and injuring eight more while driving drunk during an Independence Day celebration.

Judge’s Decision to Deny Bail

Judge Robert Mandelbaum denied bail to Hyden, citing the severity of the charges against him. The 44-year-old from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, faces multiple charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, eight counts of assault, and driving without a license. During the hearing, it was revealed that Hyden’s license was suspended at the time of the crash due to multiple prior violations.

The Accident in Detail

The tragic event unfolded on the evening of July 4 when Hyden allegedly drove his gray Ford F-150 pickup truck through an intersection at Water Street and Cherry Street. The vehicle then plowed through a fence and into Corlears Hook Park on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where a group had gathered to celebrate the holiday.

The crash resulted in the deaths of Lucille Pinkney, 59; her son Herman Pinkney, 38; and Ana Morel. Eight other individuals were injured in the incident.

Around 9 p.m., Hyden was driving at ‘a high rate of speed’ when he failed to navigate the road and struck 11 pedestrians inside the park, according to police reports.

Victims and Aftermath

The accident left three families devastated. CBS News identified the victims as 59-year-old Lucille Pinkney and 38-year-old Herman Pinkney. Ana Morel, another victim, was described by her family as a beloved daughter and sister who had recently overcome personal struggles.

Hyden’s Background

Hyden is known professionally as a substance abuse counselor and author of ‘The Sober Addict,’ a book offering practical guidance on living with addiction. His apparent commitment to helping others battle addiction starkly contrasts with his actions on July 4, bringing significant attention to his case.

The NYPD discovered Hyden at the scene beside his wrecked truck, bloodied from injuries sustained in the collision. Witnesses reportedly restrained him until officers arrived and arrested him. Due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer test, police drew blood to check for alcohol and drugs.

Legal Troubles and Charges

This isn’t Hyden’s first brush with the law. He has prior arrests for assault in New York City, including an incident in February involving harassment and assault charges after striking a teacher. Additionally, in 2015, he was arrested in Wisconsin for DUI but later pleaded guilty only to a traffic offense.

If convicted of his current charges, Hyden faces over 25 years in prison. Given his previous record and the severity of this incident, it’s clear why Judge Mandelbaum decided against setting bail for him.