Newly released videos details events leading to crash that killed Nassau Police Officer Espinosa
Additional video evidence allegedly captures alleged suspect weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds on Patchogue Holbrook Road and later on the Long Island Expressway.
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Authorities are releasing new details about the actions prosecutors say led up to the deadly crash that killed Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa.
Prosecutors allege that 20-year-old Matthew Smith was driving drunk at extreme speeds and engaging in reckless behavior immediately before the Jan. 31 crash. Newly revealed video evidence includes footage from inside Smith’s pickup truck, showing him speeding through Suffolk County early that morning.
The video, livestreamed by Smith’s passenger, John Andali, allegedly shows Smith using the shoulder as a passing lane and illegally crossing the HOV buffer on the Long Island Expressway. According to prosecutors, data from the vehicle’s recorder indicates Smith reached a top speed of 125 mph as he flew past other cars on the highway.
Court documents state that Andali told police Smith ran red lights and stop signs and described him as “driving crazy.”
Prosecutors also say Smith was seen on surveillance video drinking at the James Joyce bar in Patchogue earlier that morning, despite being under the legal drinking age. Security footage shows Smith leaving Patchogue at approximately 5:39 a.m.
Additional video evidence allegedly captures Smith weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds on Patchogue Holbrook Road and later on the Long Island Expressway. Prosecutors say Smith arrived at Jake’s 58 Casino at 5:47 a.m., having traveled roughly 10 miles in just eight minutes.
According to authorities, Smith appeared unsteady on his feet while at the casino. Surveillance video shows him leaving about two minutes later, at 5:49 a.m.
The fatal crash occurred about five miles away in Saint James at approximately 6:06 a.m., according to prosecutors.
Investigators say Smith also posted videos to an Instagram account showing himself performing donuts and driving recklessly. Court records indicate Smith has received multiple prior traffic tickets, including citations for speeding, HOV lane violations and illegal window tints.
News 12 reached out to the James Joyce bar for a comment.
