Officer Patricia Espinosa wore her uniform with honor and was proud to represent her Hispanic roots, marching in the Puerto Rican Day Parade. In that uniform was also a mother of a two-year-old girl. A natural protector in the communities she served. Now, there is a community with one less protector.
Officer Espinosa was killed Saturday morning in what is described as a violent crash. It happened on Route 347 at Alexander Avenue in Saint James just after 6 a.m. The 42-year-old was behind the wheel of a 2019 Alfa Romeo when her car was struck by a Chevy Silverado. Police say the driver was traveling northbound on Alexander Avenue when it blew a red light.
Suffolk County police arrested Matthew Smith, 20, of Hauppauge and charged him with a DWI. Both he and his 25-year-old passenger survived and were taken to Stony Brook hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officer Espinosa was pronounced dead at the same hospital.
Nassau County PBA President Tommy Shevlin said, in part,
"Officer Espinosa was the heart of a true law-enforcement family - her husband Francisco Malaga, and her two brothers, Christian and David Almeida, all who proudly serve as police officers - and she leaves behind a two-year-old daughter Mia, who will grow up knowing their mother was a hero."
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor, also released a statement, saying, in part,
"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."
Blakeman also said he was ordering flags at half-staff beginning Monday until her burial.
The PBA says Officer Espinosa was a dedicated member of Nassau County Police who understood the sacrifices of the profession. They call this a profound and senseless loss to the community that she protected.
Elmont residents are just as shocked as the officers at the Fifth Precinct.
"Devastated. Lost a mom, lost a relative, lost a good person," said Justin Cromwell.
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