Guilty plea in Pa. officer's death

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - November 11, 2009 -- A suburban Philadelphia man admits killing a police officer in a vehicle crash, but awaits a judge's decision on whether he was impaired by prescription drugs and marijuana.

Frank Budka, of Middletown, pleaded guilty to a dozen charges stemming from the Jan. 29 crash in Bucks County, including homicide by vehicle. But he went to trial this week on the impairment charge and awaits a judge's decision expected Thursday.

The 45-year-old Budka caused a crash that killed Middletown Township police Officer Chris Jones as Jones returned to his cruiser during a traffic stop.

Budka argues that he had only traces of marijuana in his system. But prosecutors say it impaired him when combined with methadone and a painkiller.

The 37-year-old Jones was married with three children.

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