Gary Church Bus Driver: Vehicle Had Mechanical Problems

The driver of a Gary church bus that overturned near Indianapolis, killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring 11 others, says the vehicle had mechanical problems.

Fifty-three-year-Charles Goodman of Chicago told reporters Tuesday the bus had problems with its suspension and power steering and was overheating. He also disputed investigators' assertion that he was driving on a suspended license.

Goodman is being held in the Hancock County Jail in Greenfield.

Goodman is charged with reckless homicide and driving with a suspended license. A judge appointed a public defender for him Tuesday.

Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton says Goodman has admitted falling asleep at the wheel.

Goodman was driving a group from Gary's St. Jude Family Worship Center to religious convention in Ohio when the crash occurred July 28 on Interstate 70. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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