The man accused of striking a teenager in a hit-in-run in Methuen, Massachusetts, Monday morning pleaded not guilty on a number of charges in court on Tuesday.
Chief Joseph Solomon said 28-year-old Robert Jacques Jr. surrendered to police Monday hours after surveillance video identified a pickup truck that hit 15-year-old Joseph Barry, who was seriously injured at about 6:30 a.m.
Police said the school bus had stopped with its lights flashing and the pick-up drove away after hitting the boy, who was crossing a street to board.
Police identified the truck as belonging to Jacques' father, and reached the son by telephone.
In a written statement, Barry's father, Joe, wrote, "Joe is a wonderful young man. He is a straight A student, he is deeply compassionate, and we are proud of him. While the road to recovery is going to be long and difficult, we are profoundly grateful to have this chance. This has been a traumatic experience for our family. We appreciate all of outpouring of support and we ask that you respect our desire for privacy as we begin to navigate the healing process."
Jacques Jr. faces charges including leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. He is being held on $50,000 bail and was arraigned in Lawrence District Court.
