New Brunswick fire director pleads guilty in crash that hurt 3 kids

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (WABC) -- The New Jersey fire official who hit and seriously hurt three children appeared in court Tuesday, pleading guilty to careless driving.

New Brunswick Fire Director Robert Rawls ran into two 14-year-old girls and a 6-year-old boy back in May.

No criminal charges were filed.

Rawls, 56, was on duty at the time and immediately called authorities.

He was ordered to pay a $206 fine.

The judge said the careless driving guilty plea could not be used against Rawls in the civil suit.

Rawls attorneys argued that it is a dangerous intersection and that the incident was an accident that involved the kids running out in front of cars.

There was no alcohol involved, and Ralws cooperated with police.