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A Eureka woman accused of a hammer attack on a Walgreens worker pleaded not guilty today to attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

Errica Stevens, 40, also denied a special allegation that she inflicted great bodily injury on the employee. The 21-year-old woman was hospitalized but has been released. Stevens was arraigned today by visiting Judge Stephen L. Mock, who set her bail at $550,000. She has has been in Humboldt County Correctional Facility since the attack Saturday afternoon in Walgreen’s on Harrison Avenue.

Stevens is tiny in stature but apparently a force to be reckoned with when packing a hammer. According to police reports, she was striking the young woman until bystanders pulled her off. No information has been released on a possible motive.

Judge Mock appointed Deputy Public Defender Meagan O’Connell to represent Stevens, and the attorney entered not guilty pleas on her behalf. Stevens did not give up her right to a speedy trial, so her preliminary hearing was sent for Nov. 15.

While entering and leaving the courtroom Stevens smiled genially. She was subdued and polite when being addressed by the judge. Asked whether she had money to hire her own lawyer, she replied, “No I don’t, Your Honor.”

A spokesman at Walgreens said he could not comment on the incident.