Hit-and-run suspect Jose Garcia-Cardiel pleaded not guilty on the charge of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death or great bodily harm during his preliminary hearing Monday.

Garcia-Cardiel was arrested and charged on Sept. 26 in connection with a hit-and-run that occurred Sept. 21 near the intersection of Fourth Street and Grant Avenue, resulting in special education major Alexandria Ward suffering head trauma.

The hit-and-run charge is considered a class-four felony.

Garcia-Cardiel’s status hearing will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 24 in the Coles County Courthouse.

He also requested a jury trial.

Stephanie Markham can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].