“Bachelor” star Chris Soules reportedly pleaded not guilty to a leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death charge, which occurred last month in Iowa.
TMZ reports that Soules, 35, filed a written plea, meaning he waived his right to an arraignment in open court.
Soules was arrested on April 25 for allegedly fleeing the scene of an accident that claimed the life of Kenneth Mosher, 66. He is accused of rear-ending the tractor Mosher was operating with his pick-up truck on the day in question.
As Crime Online previously reported, the tractor was sent into a ditch and the victim was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly thereafter. Soules wasn’t harmed in the accident.
Soules called 911 following the deadly collision. His lawyers maintained he fulfilled his legal obligation by reporting the accident, and is believed to have left the scene just as paramedics were arriving.
“He’s not conscious,” Soules said in the 911 call recording obtained by ABC News. “He doesn’t appear to be [breathing].”
Prosecutors, however, painted a more incriminating picture of what transpired last month. The New York Daily News reported they alleged that Soules had opened alcohol bottles in his possession at the time of the incident. They also claimed the suspect was seen buying alcohol prior to the accident.
The former “Bachelor” has a history of alcohol-related legal issues. Crime Online previously reported that Soules was arrested twice in 2001 for minor alcohol possession. In 2015, he was convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and sentenced to 60 days in jail and six months probation.
The not guilty plea comes a day after a judge denied Soules’ request to have the felony charge dropped altogether, according to the Daily News.
The 35-year-old was officially charged last week. His arraignment is scheduled for May 23.
Soules faces up to five years behind bars if convicted.
Photo: Buchanan County Sheriff