Not Guilty Plea Is Entered by Officer
A Los Angeles police officer, who allegedly tried to get around traffic by driving on the freeway shoulder before driving toward a CHP officer who tried to stop him, pleaded not guilty Friday.
Authorities said Paul Lopez, 37, was off duty and legally intoxicated during the June 9 incident on the Hollywood Freeway in Studio City.
Authorities said Lopez, who is free on $20,000 bail, drove his car at a California Highway Patrol officer who tried to stop him from driving around traffic on the freeway shoulder, which had been closed because of an accident.
Instead of stopping, Lopez allegedly accelerated and drove his car toward the officer, grazing him.
Officers gave chase but Lopez continued fleeing for about a mile, authorities said.
He is charged with resisting, evading and assaulting a peace officer and driving under the influence.
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