Man enters not guilty plea in Union Grove hit-and-run
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James McKnight, 43, appeared in Racine County Court on Thursday, Jan. 30 for a preliminary hearing.
McKnight is accused of hitting a man with his car on January 17 and driving away. The victim was snow-blowing his driveway when the incident happened. McKnight turned himself in on January 21.
McKnight is a dean of students at Zion-Benton Township High School in Illinois. In court on Thursday, it was confirmed he is still working while the case is ongoing.
At the preliminary hearing, McKnight's lawyer asked for an adjustment to his bail conditions to allow him to drive to work and to court. She argued that it is almost impossible for him to get to his job in Zion, Illinois on public transportation.
“What’s concerning to the court are the allegations in the complaint," Racine County Court Commissioner Alice Rudebusch said. "I will modify the conditions of bond from no driving at all to he’s allowed to drive for purposes of work and to and from the court.”
The superintendent of the Zion-Benton Township School District released the following statement to CBS 58:
"Mr. McKnight is a highly regarded employee who is fully cooperating with all matters related to this unfortunate accident that occurred during off-duty hours. We are very mindful that a gentleman was injured during the accident, and our school community sincerely wishes him a fast and complete recovery."
McKnight is expected back in court in March.