A ten year veteran of the Albany Police Department appeared in court to face the charge of drunk driving. Lori Chung has more.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- An Albany police officer has pleaded not guilty to charges that he drove drunk and crashed into a row of parked cars over the weekend.

The incident happened early Sunday morning when police say Max Etienne crashed into a row of parked cars on South Main Avenue. Police say he then left the scene.

Officers found Etienne nearby and arrested him for driving while intoxicated and cited him for unsafe lane movement and refusal to submit a breath test. Police said he also refused to submit to a chemical test.

During his arraignment on Tuesday, Etienne pleaded not guilty to DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, refusing a breath test, and failure to stay in lane.

Jenna Hahne, whose car was damaged, said, "Granted, it's just a car. It's not that serious. Thank God no one was in it. But, you're a cop, man. I'm supposed to call you as a result of this incident. I'm sorry. This is not the way it's supposed to work."

Etienne has been with the Albany Police Department for 10 years. He has been suspended without pay as the investigation continues.