An East Meadow man pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that he was driving drunk when he allegedly caused a crash that killed an off-duty 25-year-old New York City police officer.
Jonathan Lopez was arrested early Sunday following a three-vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway in Massapequa.
New York State police said the 20-year-old crashed into the rear of a car driven by Kevin Jessup, who later died.
Jessup worked in the 106th Precinct in Queens. He joined the NYPD in July 2008.
A passenger in his car, 30-year-old Crystal Simons of Valley Stream, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said Lopez also hit another vehicle driven by Dawn Smallwood of Melville, who was treated and released at a local hospital.
A Nassau County judge set cash bail for Lopez at $50,000. He is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, assault and speeding.
His attorney, Fred Pollack, declined to comment.
Eastbound lanes of the parkway were closed for hours while investigators were on the scene.
-With Associated Press.