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High School Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Charges In Connection With Lodi Crash

HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A high school teacher has pleaded not guilty to several charges stemming from what authorities say was an alcohol-related crash that critically injured a Bergen County Police Department officer.

The Record reports that Michael Ettz, of Lodi, entered his pleas during a court hearing Monday. He's charged with aggravated assault, assault by auto while driving intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

Prosecutors say Ettz struck Bergen County Police Officer Daniel Breslin's vehicle from behind on Route 46 in Lodi in April. Breslin had stopped in the right lane to assist another officer who had pulled onto the shoulder to repair a radio.

Breslin suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him hospitalized for months. Officials say he's undergoing occupational, physical and speech therapy five times a week.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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