A Hempstead man was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle Friday after allegedly striking and killing a 3-year-old boy with his car Thursday night. 

Police say George Graydon was driving through the rear parking lot of an apartment complex on Maple Avenue around 9 p.m. when the incident occurred. 

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and is scheduled to appear in Hempstead court again on Aug. 1. 

Police say Graydon should not have been driving due to multiple suspensions on his license. 

Stephanie Dranie, Graydon's mother, spoke with News 12 Long Island, where she apologized to the victim's family. She said that she knows the pain the family must be going through because she lost another son three years ago. 

Nassau police say the investigation into the accident is continuing.