Brighton Teen Arraigned on School Bus Crash Charges

The Brighton teen accused in a violent school bus crash in Brighton was arraigned in Monroe County court today. John Zakhary is just 16 years old.
He's facing nine counts in the crash, including three felonies.
Zakhary showed up in Monroe County court today for his arraignment, with his parents by his side.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges. He did not speak to the judge, or to our crews. His lawyer also had no comment.
The most serious charges against Zakhary following the crash are Reckless Endangerment and Assault in the Second Degree for injuries suffered by two of his passengers.
The other charges include Reckless Driving and several traffic violations.
Police say Zakhary was driving them and a third passenger home from school when he crashed into a school bus on Warren Avenue on October 9th.
Today, News 8's Tina Shively asked the prosecutor if this case is being handled differently because the victims knew the accused.
Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Raymond Benitez said "I think sometimes members of the community think that because they all knew each other that they all took a part of the risk. But the problem is that when you start thinking like that, then you start holding people less and less accountable for their own actions."
Zakhary was released to his parents providing he follows a judge's list of conditions, including obeying a curfew and surrendering his driver's license.
He's due back in court on February 21.