Kevin Roper, driver in Tracy Morgan crash, pleads not guilty

NEW BRUNSWICK , N.J., June 11 (UPI) -- Kevin Roper, the truck driver facing charges in the crash that left Tracy Morgan hospitalized, pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide in a New Brunswick court room Wednesday.

Roper, 35, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto after he reportedly "failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead" and "swerved to try and avoid" Morgan's Mercedes limo at the last minute, forcing it to overturn, authorities said after the incident.

Roper was driving a Walmart truck Saturday when he hit Morgan's bus limo and caused a six-vehicle accident. The actor remains hospitalized and in critical condition.

In addition to pleading not guilty to the charges, TMZ reports that Roper claims Saturday's events were an accident and that he is a "scapegoat" in the case because a celebrity was involved.

Morgan's limo-bus, two tractor-trailers, two cars and an SUV were involved in Saturday's incident in New Jersey. The actor's longtime comedy writer, James McNair was killed in the accident.