Levittown man sentenced to up to 18 years for fatal dwi crash in north bellmore — Jail Cell - File Photo

Nassau County District Attorney’s Office says defendant fled scene after killing motorcyclist in 2025 collision.

Mineola, New York – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Levittown man has been sentenced to up to 18 years in prison for a drunken driving crash that killed a 63-year-old motorcyclist in North Bellmore. The sentencing, handed down in Nassau County Court, follows a guilty plea earlier this year and closes a case involving aggravated vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Patrick Thompson, 59, was sentenced to a term of 6 to 18 years in prison by Judge Robert Bogle after pleading guilty on February 25 to aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, and aggravated driving while intoxicated. Prosecutors from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office said the case highlights the severe consequences of impaired driving and hit-and-run offenses.

Fatal crash and attempted escape

According to the investigation, the crash occurred on October 26 at approximately 11:01 p.m. on North Jerusalem Avenue near Sherman Avenue in North Bellmore. Thompson was driving westbound when he attempted to make a left turn into a convenience store parking lot, directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

The victim, identified as 63-year-old Daniel Bliss, was operating a 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound when the collision occurred. Authorities said the impact was nearly head-on, throwing Bliss from the motorcycle and causing fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nassau County prosecutors said Thompson exited his vehicle after the crash, briefly looked at the victim, and then fled the scene on foot rather than calling for help.

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Key Points
• Patrick Thompson sentenced to 6–18 years for fatal DWI crash
• Victim Daniel Bliss killed in near head-on collision in North Bellmore
• Defendant fled scene and was later found hiding by police K-9 unit
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Arrest and evidence of intoxication

The Nassau County Police Department’s K-9 Unit located Thompson more than an hour later, approximately half a mile from the crash site, hiding in a wooded sump area. Officers reported that he showed multiple signs of intoxication at the time of his arrest.

A blood test later revealed Thompson’s blood alcohol content was 0.18% approximately three hours after the crash—more than twice the legal limit in New York.

He was arrested on October 27 by detectives from the Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Prosecutors condemn actions, case underscores DWI risks

District Attorney Donnelly sharply criticized Thompson’s actions following the crash, emphasizing both the loss of life and the decision to flee.

“Patrick Thompson tried to duck responsibility after driving while highly intoxicated and crashing into Daniel Bliss’ motorcycle,” Donnelly said. “After the crash, and a passing glance at Daniel as he died in the street, the defendant ran and hid like a coward.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brittany Battista of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and Executive Assistant District Attorney Kevin Higgins.

Fatal crashes involving impaired drivers remain a significant public safety issue across New York and nationwide, with law enforcement agencies continuing to prioritize enforcement and prosecution of DWI-related offenses. Cases involving both intoxication and fleeing the scene often carry enhanced penalties due to the compounded risk and lack of aid to victims.

As of sentencing, Thompson will serve his prison term under New York State Department of Corrections supervision. Officials said the case is now closed, though the impact on the victim’s family and community continues.

Nassau County DWI crash, North Bellmore fatal accident, Patrick Thompson sentencing, Daniel Bliss motorcycle crash, NY vehicular homicide

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