BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — 32-year-old Evaristo Perez Nunez pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony hit-and-run following a crash that killed a 9-year-old boy.

The crash happened Tuesday in the area of Cottonwood Road and East Pacheco Road. The driver of the victim vehicle told police the Nunez, driving a pickup truck, pulled out in front of him from East Pacheco Road and caused the crash. After the initial crash another vehicle struck the victim vehicle on Cottonwood Road.

9-year-old Emiliano Hernandez died at Valley Children's Hospital in Madera Tuesday afternoon, hours after he was involved in the crash.

Nunez abandoned his truck and fled the scene only to be arrested later that day. According to police, when officers went to arrest Nunez and take him into custody, he resisted and assaulted an officer, causing minor injury. After a brief struggle, officers were able to restrain Nunez and take him into custody without further incident.

Nunez is due back in court on Jan. 22.