Mass. Maritime student from Westerly accused of striking fellow cadets

Bourne, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts Maritime Academy junior has pleaded not guilty to charges that he struck and injured three pedestrians while driving under the influence.

Twenty-one-year-old Max Yerger, of Westerly, R.I., was arraigned Friday on charges including leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, operating under the influence and negligent operation. He's free on $1,500 cash bail.

School president Adm. Richard Gurnon tells the Cape Cod Times the victims, including two cadets, were struck at about 1:10 a.m. Friday as they and the driver were returning from a bar.

The car allegedly backed up and drove way. Bourne police arrested the driver shortly after.

Gurnon says the injured cadets are in good condition at local hospitals. A Bourne fire official says a 30-year-old woman was flown to a Boston hospital with more serious injuries.