SALEM — The driver in a car accident that killed Salem police officer Dana Mazola last year pleaded not guilty in Salem District Court Wednesday morning.
Juan Marinez, 26, of Salem, was arraigned on charges of motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, speeding and a marked lanes violation in the June 26 head-on crash with the off-duty officer.
Mazola, 56 at the time of his death, served with the Salem Police Department for 31 years. He grew up in Swampscott, where his father owned Mazola’s Corner Store and gas station on Essex Street.
“While we are thankful for the continuous support we’ve received from the community, the senselessness of this tragedy continues to devastate everyone who loved Dana,” said Florene Mazola, wife of Dana Mazola, in a statement following the arraignment. “Not a moment passes when he is not profoundly missed.”
“No one could ask for a more loyal, dedicated and committed officer to serve the community and the department the way Officer Mazola did every single day of his 31 years on the job,” said then-Police Chief Mary Butler at the time of the officer’s death. “He was a man of integrity who had a heart as wide as the whole outdoors. There is not a single officer or employee who knew him, past or present, who is not impacted by the tragic and sudden loss of Dana Mazola.”
Marinez sustained non-life threatening injuries in the accident, which occurred just after 11 p.m. on Jefferson Avenue.
His license has been suspended as a result of the charges and he was released on his own recognizance on the condition that he not drive.
A pre-trial hearing for Marinez will be held in Salem District Court on April 22.
