An off-duty Nassau County police officer, Patricia Espinosa, has died following a collision with an alleged drunk driver yesterday morning in Saint James. Espinosa, aged 42, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after her sedan was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Alexander Avenue and Route 347. The truck driver, identified by Suffolk County Police as 20-year-old Matthew Smith, has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
According to an CBS News New York report, the crash occurred just after 6 a.m. when Smith's vehicle, reportedly running a red light, collided with Espinosa's. Smith and his 25-year-old passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to an local hospital. The report also mentions Smith's vehicle was impounded as the investigation continues, with a call out for any witnesses to provide information to police at 631-852-6553.
Nassau County Police Benevolent Association confirmed Officer Espinosa's service, highlighting her dedication and the profound impact of her loss. "Officer Espinosa served with honor, courage, and compassion, and her death in a violent crash caused by a driver charged with DWI is a profound loss to our department, our county, and every community she protected," PBA President Tommy Shevlin stated in part, a statement obtained by CBS News New York.
As noted by ABC 7 New York, Officer Espinosa's passing has resounded through the community she served, with local residents expressing their devastation. "Devastated. Lost a mom, lost a relative, lost a good person," said Justin Cromwell, echoing the sentiment of many who are mourning the officer. Espinosa is survived by her husband and two brothers, all of whom are serving police officers, as well as her two-year-old daughter.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman paid his respects to Espinosa, recalling his experience with her, "I had the honor of marching with her in the Puerto Rican Day parade." As a gesture of honor, Blakeman has ordered flags at half staff from Monday until the officer's burial.
