Man pleads not guilty of murder in death of CHP officer

A not guilty plea was entered Wednesday for a Winchester man charged with murder in the traffic fatality of CHP officer Steve Licon on the 15 Freeway in Lake Elsinore.

Michael Joseph Callahan, 36, has a felony settlement conference scheduled for May 16 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta regarding the second-degree murder charge, according to John Hall of the District Attorney's office. Bail is set at 1$ million.

Licon, a CHP motorcycle officer, was conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle on the southbound 15 Freeway near Nichols Road on the afternoon of April 10. The defendant's car was traveling on the right shoulder, rather than the traffic lanes, and struck Licon. Licon, a 27-year veteran of the CHP, was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation indicated that Callahan was driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a news releaes. The DA's office has not released details about the alleged level of intoxication.

Callahan is being charged with murder based in part on a 2004 misdemeanor DUI conviction in Orange County, according to the DA's office. As a condition of his probation, he was required to attend classes about the dangers of drinking and driving.

If convicted as charged, Callahan faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.