SAINT JAMES, N.Y. – A Nassau County Police Department officer died early Saturday after her vehicle was struck by a pickup truck driven by an allegedly impaired motorist, Suffolk County authorities said. The collision occurred just after 6:00 a.m. on Route 347 at the intersection with Alexander Avenue in Saint James.
According to Suffolk County Police, twenty-year-old Matthew Smith of Hauppauge was operating a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Alexander Avenue when he failed to stop at a red light and entered the path of a westbound vehicle driven by Officer Patricia Espinosa. The impact of the crash fatally injured Espinosa, who was pronounced dead after being transported to Stony Brook University Hospital.
Smith was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), authorities said. Both he and his 25-year-old passenger were taken to the same hospital for treatment of injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. Both vehicles involved in the crash were impounded as the investigation continues, Suffolk police said.
Espinosa, 42, was an officer with the Nassau County Police Department’s Fifth Precinct. Multiple news outlets and police union statements noted she was off-duty and was reportedly on her way to work at the time of the collision.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a statement expressing his condolences and said flags would be flown at half-staff beginning Monday in Espinosa’s honor. Blakeman noted that he had previously marched alongside her in the Puerto Rican Day Parade.
In remarks shared by the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, President Tommy Shevlin described Espinosa’s death as “a profound loss” and acknowledged her commitment to law enforcement. The union’s statement said Espinosa came from a family with deep ties to policing; her husband, Francisco Malaga, and her two brothers also serve as officers. She also leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.
Suffolk County police have asked anyone with information about the crash to contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6553.
Key Facts and Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Officer Name | Patricia Espinosa |
| Age | 42 |
| Agency | Nassau County Police Department |
| Assignment | 5th Precinct |
| Status at Time of Crash | Off duty, commuting to work |
| Date of Incident | January 31, 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Shortly after 6:00 a.m. |
| Location | Route 347 and Alexander Avenue, Saint James, Suffolk County, NY |
| Type of Incident | Motor vehicle crash involving suspected impaired driver |
| Alleged Driver | Matthew Smith, 20, of Hauppauge |
| Alleged Violation | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) |
| Vehicles Involved | 2017 Chevrolet Silverado and Officer Espinosa’s vehicle |
| Immediate Outcome | Officer Espinosa fatally injured |
| Pronounced Dead | At Stony Brook University Hospital |
| Other Injuries | Driver and passenger hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries |
| Investigation | Ongoing by Suffolk County Police |
| Family Background | Immigrated from Ecuador; family members in law enforcement |
| Survived By | Husband, two-year-old daughter, extended family |
| Public Response | Statements from police unions and county officials; flags ordered at half-staff |
