BEVERLY HILLSRoberto Maldonado pleaded not guilty at the San Fernando Courthouse to a gross vehicular manslaughter charge brought on from the death of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Nicholas Lee, a 16-year veteran. Maldonado, a dump truck driver, collided with Lee’s cruiser after his brakes failed to work.

The incident occurred on March 7, 2014, on Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills. Lee and his partner were responding to a call, when their cruiser was struck.

Maldonado was arrested after sustaining injuries and released on bail the following day.

A California Highway Patrol investigation revealed the truck’s brakes failed due to Maldonado’s poor truck maintenance and inspections.

Maldonado’s defense attorney, Andrew Flier, believes his client’s actions do not warrant a criminal case. Flier’s defense rests on Maldonado bringing his truck in for inspection and maintenance believing it was upheld to permit standard. Flier believes the case is only criminal due to Lee being a police officer.

Maldonado’s next court date is set for June 10 for preliminary hearings. He faces up to 6 years in prison if convicted.