Driver In Crash That Injured 3 Rogers H.S. Students Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Wright County Attorney has charged the 22-year-old driver who hit three Rogers High School students with his pick-up truck Thursday morning.

Cody Pech says he did not see the kids or the school bus -- which had its stop arm out and lights flashing -- until it was too late.

The accident happened Thursday morning in Otsego. Fifteen-year-olds Ian Orina, Beckett Olson and Greta Jenson were crossing the street to catch their school bus when he hit them. All were seriously hurt.

Pech was given a $20,000 bail with conditions. The Wright County Jail said he posted that bail and was released Friday night.

Wright County Chief Prosecutor Brian Lutes believes Pech was distracted when he hit the students.

"No indication that he was impaired by alcohol or controlled substance," Lutes said.

He says Pech admitted that he was distracted, and did not see the bus and red flashing lights in time.

Lutes say the defendant travels the road daily for work. He believes something distracted him, but it was not a cellphone.

"Just not aware to the factors on the roadway. When he was patted down, officers did not find a cellphone, and officers did not find a cellphone when they did an inventory search on his vehicle," Lutes said.

Scott Frazier's stepdaughter, Greta Jenson, was one of three students hit by Pech.

"Just stop for them. There's kids on those buses, you know. They can't see you, and it happens in the blink of an eye," Frazier said.

His stepson Nathan was with Greta and the others.

"He had crossed the street just before she did, and happened to turn around, he saw the vehicle coming, moved out of the way and turned around to see everybody get hit," Frazier said.

He says he will wait until all the facts are in before speaking about Pech. He says this is a lot for a 22-year-old to go through. For now, he is focused on making sure the victims get the help they need for a speedy recovery.

Investigators did find prescription medications in Pech's truck, which allowed them to get a warrant for a blood draw. It could takes weeks to get the results back. His next court appearance is set for March 1.

All three students are at the Hennepin County Medical Center. Hospital officials said Friday Jenson and Olson are in critical condition, and Orina is in serious condition.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for their medical expenses.