Not guilty plea for alleged drunken driver who hit cop
(06/18/08) MINEOLA - Nassau police officers packed a Mineola courtroom Wednesday as a suspected drunken driver who struck their fellow officer pleaded not guilty.
Rahiem Griffin pleaded not guilty to an eight-count indictment, which included vehicular assault and DWI charges. Griffin allegedly struck Officer Kenneth Baribault May 18, after the officer pulled over a different vehicle on the LIE. Baribault remains in intensive care.
Griffin’s lawyer Anthony Colleluori says a fair trial for his client is impossible after Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice’s comments earlier this week. Rice held a press conference announcing a no plea bargain would be offered to Griffin. Colleluori says Rice’s remarks poisoned the jury pool.
Griffin remains held on $200,000 bail and is due back in court August 18.
Baribault is set to be moved to a rehabilitation facility in New Jersey.
Posted Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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