CLARK COUNTY, Ohio — The driver of a minivan involved in a crash with a Clark County elementary school bus earlier this week entered a not guilty plea and had his bond set at $100,000 during an arraignment Thursday.
Hermanio Joseph, 35, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide. The charge is a fourth degree felony due to Joseph reportedly driving without a valid license, Clark County Municipal Court records say.
If convicted, he will face six to 12 months in prison and may pay a fine of up to $5,000.
Around 8:15 a.m., a school bus with Northwestern Local Schools was heading west on Troy Road in German Township. Meanwhile, a Honda Odyssey, driven by Joseph, was headed east on the road when it went left of center.
OSHP said the bus driver attempted maneuvers to avoid getting hit head-on, but the two vehicles still made contact and crashed into each other. The bus overturned on its side while the Odyssey came to a rest in a ditch.
OSHP said there were 53 people inside the school bus, including 52 kids and the driver. Classes were set to begin Tuesday.
One student was ejected from the bus and was pronounced dead. Twenty-three kids were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. Authorities said one student's injuries are considered to be serious.
Joseph and the passenger of the Odyssey were taken to the hospital and their injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
The OSHP is investigating the crash.
Joseph has a bond review hearing scheduled for Aug. 28.
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