The driver of a truck that crashed into a Los Angeles police cruiser, killing the officer, pleaded no contest today to gross vehicular manslaughter, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Robert Maldonado, 48, entered his plea before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Hilleri Merritt.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2018. If Maldonado complies with the terms and conditions of the plea agreement, he will be eligible to have the felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor.

On March 7, 2014, Maldonado was driving his truck on Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills when the brakes failed. His vehicle struck a police car driven by Officer Nicholas Lee, who suffered fatal injuries.

A California Highway Patrol investigation found the truck's brakes failed because Maldonado did not properly maintain and inspect the vehicle as required by law.

Los Angeles County District Attorney / April 19, 2017