(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Matthew Smith, 20, of Hauppauge, was indicted for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide and several related charges for allegedly running a red light while driving intoxicated and crashing into a vehicle operated by Patricia Espinosa, a Nassau County Police Officer, who was on her way to work. The crash also seriously injured Smith’s passenger.
“This indictment reflects the devastating consequences of reckless and unlawful behavior behind the wheel. A police officer who dedicated her life to protecting this community was simply on her way to work when her life was tragically taken,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our office will pursue this case vigorously and seek full accountability under the law. We stand with the officer’s family, loved ones, and colleagues as they continue to mourn this profound loss.”
According to the investigation, on January 31, 2026, at approximately 6:07 a.m., Smith and his passenger were allegedly on their way from Jakes 58 Casino Hotel after previously being in Patchogue where he had allegedly been drinking alcohol.
Smith was allegedly driving his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck northbound on Alexander Avenue in Saint James at a high rate of speed, when he went through a red light at the intersection and crashed into an Alfa Romeo SUV operated by Espinosa.
Espinosa was transported from the scene to Stony Brook University Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Smith’s passenger was also transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was treated for serious injuries, including pelvic and spinal fractures and a severe head laceration.
On March 13, 2026, Smith was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:
- Two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Class B felonies;
- One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class C felony;
- One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
- Two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, Class C felonies;
- Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies;
- One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
- One count of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
- One count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
- One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor;
- Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, unclassified misdemeanors;
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
- One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
- One count of Speeding, a traffic infraction;
- One count of Failure to Maintain Lane, a traffic infraction; and
- One count of Failing to Stop at a Traffic Control Device, a traffic infraction.
Justice Mazzei ordered Smith remanded during the pendency of the case. Smith is due back in court on April 20, 2026, and faces up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Emma Richards and Laura Newcombe of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Martin Lupo from the Suffolk County Police Department Major Case Unit.