A Pierce County judge entered a plea of not guilty Wednesday on behalf of the young woman accused of striking a Fircrest bicyclist with her car, then driving away.
Superior Court Judge Katherine Stolz allowed Sabrina Michelle Stanford, 18, to remain free on her own recognizance pending the resolution of her case, provided Stanford adheres to several rules imposed by the judge. They include a 10 p.m. curfew and law-abiding behavior, including no driving offenses.
“That means don’t get any tickets whatsoever,” Stolz told Stanford at her arraignment.
Prosecutors last month charged Stanford with one felony count of failure to remain at the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities contend she hit Sandy Johnston, 67, as she pedaled her bike at the intersection of Contra Costa Avenue and Ramsdell Street in Fircrest on Feb. 17 then dragged the injured woman out of the street and drove away.
Johnston suffered a badly broken leg and other injuries.
Stanford admitted to authorities that she dragged Johnston to the curb but said she did so at the request of the older woman, according to court records.
The young woman’s attorney, Charles Johnston, declined to comment following the arraignment. He is no relation to the injured woman.
Stanford is next scheduled in court for a hearing June 18.
Adam Lynn: 253-597-8644