A man facing a murder charge in the hit-and-run death of a Lexington police officer pleaded not guilty Friday morning.

Glenn Rahan Doneghy, 33, appeared before Fayette Circuit Judge James Ishmael for an arraignment.

Police say Doneghy struck officer Bryan Durman with his sport-utility vehicle and then left the scene. Durman, 27, was hit while investigating a noise complaint on North Limestone about 10 p.m. April 29.

Doneghy was indicted last week on charges of murder, leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid or assistance, second-degree assault, four counts of third-degree assault, and one count each of first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

The assault charges stem from police allegations that Doneghy attacked them as they executed a search warrant at his apartment after Durman was hit.

Doneghy cut one officer with an knife and threw "a caustic substance" on three others, according to the indictment. Court records show a fifth officer suffered scrapes on his hand and elbow.

Defense attorney Kate Dunn has argued that murder is not the appropriate charge in this case. She said lesser charges — such as reckless homicide or second-degree manslaughter — would be more appropriate and reasonable. Dunn said there was no evidence that Doneghy was driving in extreme indifference to human life, which would support a murder charge. The attorney said there was no indication that Doneghy was driving recklessly or too fast.

On Friday, Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson presented the defense with 414 pages of documents, a cassette tape, two DVDs and 14 compact discs.

Doneghy is being held at the Fayette County jail on $500,000 bond. Dunn asked that bond be reduced, but the judge denied it.