Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A 59-year-old Levittown man was sentenced to six to 18 years in prison on Thursday for a fatal drunk driving crash that killed a motorcyclist in North Bellmore last October, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office. Patrick Thompson pleaded guilty in February to multiple felony charges stemming from the October 26, 2025 collision that claimed the life of 63-year-old Daniel Bliss.
The deadly crash occurred at approximately 11:01 p.m. on North Jerusalem Avenue near the intersection of Sherman Avenue in North Bellmore, prosecutors say. Thompson was traveling westbound on North Jerusalem Avenue when he attempted to make a left turn into a convenience store parking lot as Bliss was driving his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on the same road. Thompson’s vehicle struck the motorcycle in what authorities described as a nearly head-on collision, throwing Bliss to the ground with fatal injuries.
Bliss was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to police reports. Rather than remaining at the scene or calling for help, Thompson exited his vehicle, looked at the victim, and fled on foot, leaving the motorcyclist dying in the street. The Nassau County Police Department’s K-9 Unit responded to the crash scene and launched a search for the fleeing driver.
Police located Thompson more than an hour after the crash, finding him hiding in a tree-filled sump nearly half a mile from the collision scene. When officers apprehended him, Thompson displayed several signs of intoxication, according to investigators. A blood sample taken from Thompson revealed his blood alcohol content was .18% - more than twice the legal limit - approximately three hours after the crash occurred. The Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad arrested Thompson on October 27, 2025, the day after the fatal collision.
On February 25, 2026, Thompson appeared before Judge Robert Bogle and pleaded guilty to three charges: Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, classified as a Class B felony; Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony; and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated Per Se, an unclassified misdemeanor. The sentencing hearing took place on Thursday, where Thompson received the prison term of six to 18 years.
“Patrick Thompson tried to duck responsibility after driving while highly intoxicated and crashing into Daniel Bliss’ motorcycle,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly in a statement following the sentencing. “After the crash, and a passing glance at Daniel as he died in the street, the defendant ran and hid like a coward. Thompson knew what he had done and thought only of himself. Now he will have many years in prison to reflect on his reckless actions. Our thoughts remain with Daniel’s family and friends as they continue to mourn his tragic loss.”
Location & Road Context
The fatal collision occurred on North Jerusalem Avenue, a major east-west thoroughfare that runs through multiple Nassau County communities including North Bellmore. The crash site near the intersection of Sherman Avenue is in a mixed commercial and residential area, with several businesses including the convenience store parking lot that Thompson was attempting to access when the collision occurred.
North Jerusalem Avenue serves as a key connector road in the area, handling significant traffic volumes during both daytime and evening hours. The roadway accommodates both local traffic accessing businesses and residential areas, as well as through traffic moving between communities. The 11:01 p.m. timing of the crash occurred during a period when traffic volumes would typically be lighter than peak hours, though the area still sees regular nighttime activity due to nearby commercial establishments.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad took the lead on investigating the fatal crash, working in conjunction with K-9 units and other specialized personnel. The investigation included processing the crash scene, conducting the manhunt for Thompson, and gathering evidence including the blood alcohol testing that proved crucial to the prosecution’s case.
Thompson’s arrest occurred within 24 hours of the crash, followed by a legal process that spanned several months. His guilty plea in February 2026 came approximately four months after his arrest, indicating cooperation in avoiding a lengthy trial. The plea agreement covered the three charges that captured the full scope of Thompson’s criminal conduct - the underlying DWI offense, the vehicular homicide resulting from his intoxicated driving, and the additional crime of fleeing the scene without rendering aid or reporting the crash to authorities.
Broader Impact
Thompson’s .18% blood alcohol content at the time of testing - nearly three hours after the crash when his BAC would have been declining - suggests his intoxication level at the time of impact was significantly higher, potentially approaching .20% or above. Under New York law, Aggravated Vehicular Homicide carries a maximum sentence of 8⅓ to 25 years in prison when it involves a BAC of .18% or higher, making Thompson’s six to 18-year sentence within the typical range for such cases, though on the lower end of possible penalties.