Driver pleads not guilty in Ohio hayride crash

SANDUSKY, Ohio – The operator of a tractor pulling wagons during a hayride in Ohio has pleaded not guilty to several charges after authorities say he drove off a road and injured 28 people riding on the wagons.

State Highway Patrol troopers say there were open alcohol containers at the scene of the crash and that the driver refused to take a sobriety test.

The Sandusky Register (http://bit.ly/rWQke0 ) reports Michael Hermes (HERM'-ess) of Sandusky is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, refusing to take a breath-alcohol test, having an open container and failure to control.

Some of those injured Saturday night suffered broken bones, while others were just shaken up.

Hermes' attorney says his family is thinking about the victims and praying for their families.