Off-duty Nassau County police officer killed in car crash; driver charged with DWI
SAINT JAMES, Long Island (WABC) -- In one day, the world has been turned upside down for the Nassau County Police Department and the family of an off-duty officer killed by a suspected drunk driver.
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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