Hit and run driver is behind bars

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - For nearly one week, Amherst Police have searched for a hit and run driver who struck two local college students.

Now, Andrea Glinski is behind bars, charged with the crime.

It is a story you saw first on WIVB.com.

When Andrea Glinski appeared before the town justice in Amherst, her attorney described her as a good person who's never been in trouble with the law before.

The 30-year-old woman is charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

It's been nearly a week since police say she hit two young women near Daemen College.

21-year-old Rachel Baird and 22-year-old Amy Stewart remain at Erie County Medical Center.

Stewart is in a coma.

Paul Cambria said, "There are no winners in these cases. People you know form judgments, but until you've actually been in the circumstances yourself, you can't really predict how you would react."

As defense attorney Paul Cambria and his client prepare for their next court date, the families of Rachel Baird and Amy Stewart prepare for their own futures.

Baird is a senior at Daemen College.

Daemen College President Doctor Martin Anisman said, "They're both special. I know both of them. One graduated last year; just reassuring her mother we can still make that happen."

Stewart is majoring in Special Education at the University at Buffalo.

For now, those plans are on hold until they both recover.

ECMC Chaplain Reverend Francis Mazur said, "The family wishes to thank the trauma unit at the Erie County Medical Center, especially the nurses and physicians."

Dr. Anisman said, "Everybody asks the same question, which is what I asked the family too. What can we do to help?"

During Glinski's arraignment, Amy Stewart's aunt was sitting in the courtroom.

When News 4 left the court, holding back her tears, she told us Glinski deserves to be punished for what she's done to her precious niece and to her friend.