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Updated 10/31/2009 06:09 PM

NYPD Detective Arraigned On Manslaughter, DWI Charges

By: NY1 News

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An off-duty New York Police Department detective was arraigned Saturday on charges of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree and drunk driving and other charges stemming from a deadly car crash in the Bronx.

Kevin Spellman, 42, was charged in connection with the death of Drana Nikac, 67. Bail was set at $125,000 cash or $100,000.

Police say the 22-year NYPD veteran was driving his car south on Kingsbridge Avenue around 6:30 a.m. Friday when he hit the the woman.

Nikac, seen above, was transported to Saint Barnabas Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Responding officers say they smelled alcohol on Spellman's breath, but that he twice refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Blood was eventually drawn about five hours after the crash because police needed to get a warrant. The results are expected to come back early next week.

Nikac's family said they were shocked that a policeman is allegedly involved with her death.

This is the second time in recent weeks that a city police officer has been accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian while driving drunk.

Police Officer Andrew Kelly faces similar charges in the death of Vionique Valnord-Kassime in Brooklyn.

Kelly also refused a breathalyzer, and it took seven hours for his blood to be drawn. The NYPD is investigating the possibility of a cover-up.