A driver accused of being intoxicated when he allegedly struck and killed a California Highway Patrol officer stopped at a red light pleaded innocent today.

Lopez, who was on probation for misdemeanor DUI, could face up to life in prison if convicted of the new charges, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Authorities said Lopez was driving a car that rear-ended motorcycle Officer David Romero, 47, at Turnbull Canyon Road and Valley Boulevard in Industry shortly before 10 a.m. Sept. 23.

A 23-year CHP veteran and father of five, Romero was pronounced dead at County-USC Medical Center.

"The officer noticed a blue vehicle coming up behind him with apparently high speed," CHP Officer Edmund Zorilla said in a broadcast report. "He turned on his emergency lights to the rear and motioned with his hands for the driver to slow down. The driver made no attempt to slow down and subsequently rear-ended his motorcycle, propelling both the motorcycle and the vehicle, and the officer, into the intersection."

Need to contact us, find out about an ABC7 news story, send us a story, or drop us a line?

This is cache, read story here