Nathan Joseph Painter, 43, pleads not guilty in Chandler hit-and-run

A driver involved in a hit-and-run accident that critically injured two children in another vehicle last month in Chandler has pleaded not guilty in the case. Maricopa County prosecutors say 43-year-old Nathan Joseph Painter entered his plea Monday. His next scheduled court appearance is Jan. 14. Chandler police arrested Painter on suspicion of aggravated assault, endangerment and hit-and-run charges in the Oct. 26 crash. Authorities say Painter apparently lost control of his pickup truck, ran off a road and collided with the rear of a car on another road. The car rolled twice. Police say two 3-year-old boys in the other vehicle suffered critical injuries while the driver and a 2-year-old girl had minor injuries. All of the children were in safety seats.