What to Know
- Ex-cop Pedro Abad was allegedly drunk when he collided with a tractor trailer on Staten Island in March 2015
- The crash killed a fellow officer and another man
- A prosecutor and Abad's lawyer are arguing over whether his past strip club visits should be considered evidence that he knew the area roads
A prosecutor and lawyer for a former New Jersey police officer charged with a drunken driving crash that killed a fellow officer and another man are arguing over whether his past strip club visits should be considered as evidence.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Palladino said Thursday that Pedro Abad had been to the Staten Island strip club 12 times before the crash, showing he was familiar with area roads.
Defense attorney Mario Gallucci opposed that being used as evidence. He says it's unclear whether Abad had driven to the club before, or been a passenger.
Abad crashed while driving the wrong way on a nearby highway.
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 three times the legal limit.
