The woman behind the wheel of a car that ran over two kids riding in a wagon in Gates is facing new charges.
Today, Letoya Palmo pleaded not guilty to two counts each of 2nd Degree Assault and 2nd Degree Reckless Endangerment.
The crash occurred on July 11 shortly before 7 p.m. on Lyell Avenue in Gates across from the Wegman's Plaza.
Palmo initially told police that she was distracted by her two unrestrained kids in the back of the car when she jumped the curb, swerved to miss a pole, and wound up driving on top of the wagon carrying the two children.
Gates Police say that in reviewing Palmo's cell phone that she was actually using it at the time of the crash to take video of a "for rent sign" at the corner of Lyell Ave and Rossmore St.
She also admitted to police that when she turned back around and drove off the road that she hit the gas instead of the brakes and that her brakes were bad and didn't always work.
The little girl that she hit suffered a bruised liver, adrenal glands, pancreas, lungs and a spinal fracture. The little boy has a serious skull fracture and fractured ribs. The skull fracture requires surgery.
Gates Police are accepting donations for the family as the children are expected to be at Strong Hospital for many more weeks.