Published on: February 4, 2026, 06:59h.
Updated on: February 4, 2026, 06:59h.
- Authorities in New York suspect a police officer was fatally struck by an intoxicated driver
- The accused drunk driver allegedly attempted to enter a Long Island casino an hour prior to the fatal incident
Law enforcement in Nassau County, New York, has arrested a 20-year-old man on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) after his truck reportedly ran a red light at the junction of Alexander Avenue and Route 347, leading to a collision that claimed the life of a female passenger in another vehicle.
The incident took place early on Saturday, January 31, at approximately 6 am. According to the Nassau County Police Department, the victim was one of their own, 42-year-old Police Officer Patricia Espinosa. She was a mother to an 18-month-old daughter, and her husband, Francisco Malaga, also serves as a police officer.
“This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the severe impact impaired driving can have on families, colleagues, and communities,” read a statement from the Nassau County Police Department. “We strongly encourage everyone to make safe choices and to refrain from driving under the influence.”
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department. If Smith’s blood test reveals alcohol levels above the legal limit and/or the presence of narcotics, further charges are anticipated.
At the time of the accident, Espinosa was off-duty and traveling to her assignment, where she had been serving and protecting the community since 2017. Her precinct covers areas including Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Lakeview, South Floral Park, and Garden City South.
Casino Denied Entry to Impaired Individual
Investigators are exploring the circumstances surrounding the truck driver, Matthew Smith, and an unidentified companion, who reportedly attempted to gain entry to Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia roughly one hour before the tragic event.
According to reports, Smith and his companion managed to briefly enter the casino before security informed them that the venue was closed. They subsequently left without further incident. Jake’s 58 is known as a video lottery gaming destination featuring over 1,000 terminals and electronic gaming options.
The legal gambling age at video lottery casinos in New York is 18.
Jake’s 58 operates daily from 8 am to 4 am, with its restaurant and bar available until midnight on weekdays and extending to 2 am on weekends.
Community Fundraiser for Fallen Officer
In a display of solidarity, the Long Island community is rallying support for Espinosa’s family. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Nassau County Police Hispanic Society has garnered $242,860 as of February 4.
Described as a “beloved figure” among her peers, the GoFundMe states that Espinosa epitomized the “American dream.”
After immigrating from Ecuador at 21 and already possessing a college degree, Espinosa adapted to the English language and began her career as a New York State corrections officer before joining the Nassau County Police Department.
Together, Espinosa and Malaga “built their lives—marrying, buying a home, and welcoming a beautiful daughter.”
“She was not only a colleague but a friend, sister-in-blue, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and a new mother. Her loving presence, characterized by her smile, laughter, and affectionate nicknames for those close to her, will be irreplaceable. We urge you to support her husband and young daughter during this challenging time,” the GoFundMe message conveys.