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East Meadow Man Pleads Not Guilty In Crash That Killed Off-Duty NYPD Cop

MASSAPEQUA, NY (CBSNewYork) -- An East Meadow man who is accused of killing an off-duty NYPD officer in a crash on Long Island has pleaded not guilty.

Jonathan Lopez, 20, is charged with vehicular manslaughter, assault and DWI.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports: 'We're Devastated'

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The wreck happened on the Southern State Parkway early Sunday morning. State police say 25-year-old Kevin Jessup of Massapequa died in the three-car crash.

Authorities say Lopez hit Jessup's car and then rear-ended a third vehicle.

Jessup's girlfriend, 30-year-old Crystal Simons was a passenger in the car. She was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the other car was treated and released.

"We're devastated," Jessup's mother Dolores told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera. "It's hard right now."

"I just hope justice is served," Jessup's brother Keith said.

Kevin Jessup
Kevin Jessup (credit: Family handout)

Jessup grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant and graduated from the police academy in 2008. He was assigned to the 106th Precinct.

Cash bail for Lopez was set at $50,000. He's due back in court on Sept. 14.

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