(AP) — The driver of a school bus that was swept into a south-central Kansas creek has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges.

All 10 children aboard the Douglass School District bus were rescued unharmed from Muddy Creek on Oct. 31 after climbing out through an emergency exit. The driver, 64-year-old Morris Peterson, suffered a minor back injury and later lost his job.

Peterson pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Butler County District Court to charges of misdemeanor child endangerment and reckless driving.

Peterson told Kansas Highway Patrol troopers he saw water flowing over a low-water bridge but decided to cross it. Investigators concluded Peterson misjudged the edge of the bridge’s railing, sending the bus into the rain-swollen creek where it flipped on its side.

Peterson is free on $1,500 bond.