BUFFALO -- The driver of a pickup truck that struck and seriously injured three high school students in Otsego last January has pleaded guilty to a felony charge.

Twenty-three-year-old Cody Pech has pleaded guilty to one count of criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm due to negligence. As part of a plea agreement, two other similar counts will be dismissed.

According to Wright County court records, Pech told investigators he never saw the school bus stopped with its flashing lights or the teens who were about to board it until it was too late.

Two of the students from Rogers High School were 15-years-old at the time and were hospitalized in critical condition. The third student was taken to the hospital in serious condition.

The bus driver and students on the bus told investigators the stop arm was extended and red lights were flashing on the bus when the pickup plowed into the students on the morning of January 19th. Pech said he slammed on his brakes but it was too late to avoid hitting the kids. Records show he admitted to sliding into the students with the front end of his pickup.

The crash happened just before 7:00 a.m. and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Pech will be sentenced January 26th.

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