Cop in fatal wrong-way crash rejects deal, will face trial

NEW YORK – A former New Jersey police officer charged with a drunken driving crash that killed a fellow officer and another man has turned down a plea deal and will face trial.

Pedro Abad’s lawyer said after a court hearing Wednesday that prosecutors offered a deal for up to 21 years in prison. He faces up to 25 years if he is convicted. Abad’s attorney, Mario Gallucci, had sought a prison sentence of five to 15 years.

Abad crashed while driving the wrong way on a highway in Staten Island in 2015.

Linden Police Officer Frank Viggiano and Linden resident Joseph Rodriguez were killed. Another officer was seriously injured.

Authorities say Abad had a blood-alcohol level of .24. That’s three times the legal limit.

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