37-year-old Sherman Harrison was arraigned via closed circuit camera Wednesday from Bellevue Hospital, where he is being treated for injuries sustained in the accident.
Authorities say Harrison started a chain reaction crash on West Street that killed 57-year-old Amy Philipson, whose car burst into flames.
Harrison had blown through three red lights before the accident, police said. A .40-caliber Glock magazine loaded with 17 rounds was found inside his car.
He was charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an incident and possession of ammunition.
"The defendant's inexplicable recklessness resulted in an entirely avoidable, tragic death to a woman who was on her way to work," prosecutors said.
Harrison's next court date is Friday.
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