Driver charged with DWI in crash that killed off-duty Nassau County police officer
Authorities say the accident on the Smithtown Bypass shut down both directions between Middle County and Moriches roads.
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A 20-year-old Hauppauge man was charged with driving while intoxicated in the Saturday morning crash that killed an off-duty Nassau County police officer near the Smith Haven Mall.
Suffolk County police say Matthew Smith was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Alexander Avenue “when he failed to stop at a red light and struck a 2019 Alfa Romeo traveling westbound on Route 347 at 6:06 a.m.”
Patricia Espinosa was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was 42.
Smith and his passenger were treated at the Stony Brook hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman expressed his condolences in a released statement:
“Heartbroken over the passing of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa a beloved member of the Fifth Precinct. I had the honor of marching with her in the Puerto Rican Day parade. Condolences to her husband Police Officer Francisco Malaga and her brother Police Officer Christian Almeida. I am ordering flags to be at half-staff from Monday until burial.”
A statement from the president of the Nassau PBA called Espinosa's death a "tragic" and a "profound loss to our department, our county, and every community she protected.”
“Officer Espinosa was the heart of a true law-enforcement family — her husband and her brother both proudly serve as police officers — and she leaves behind a two-year-old child who will grow up knowing their mother was a hero," the statement said in part.
Suffolk police say both vehicles were impounded as their investigation continues. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6553.
