Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
Patrick Thompson, 59, of Levittown was sentenced Thursday to up to 18 years in prison for a fatal DWI crash that killed motorcyclist Daniel Bliss last October on North Jerusalem Road in Nassau County. Thompson had confessed in a February plea deal to aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and fleeing the scene of an accident that resulted in death, according to court records.
The deadly collision occurred on October 26 around 11 p.m. when Thompson, driving a 2009 Chevrolet, attempted to make a left turn on North Jerusalem Road near Sherman Avenue, prosecutors said. Thompson’s vehicle plowed nearly head-on into Daniel Bliss, 63, who was riding in the opposite direction on his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle. At the time of the crash, Thompson had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, according to prosecutors. Court testimony revealed that Thompson had been arrested five previous times for drunk driving.
After the impact, Bliss died at the scene. Thompson told the court during his sentencing hearing that he tried to talk to Bliss before authorities arrived, but then fled on foot in a panic. “I was so scared,” Thompson said during the sentencing hearing. “I couldn’t even think straight.” Nassau County police, assisted by a K-9 officer named Shammy, tracked Thompson down to a tree-filled sump more than a mile and a half from the crash scene.
Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly condemned Thompson’s actions in a statement following the sentencing. “Patrick Thompson tried to duck responsibility after driving while highly intoxicated and crashing into Daniel Bliss’ motorcycle. After the crash, and a passing glance at Daniel as he died in the street, the defendant ran and hid like a coward,” Donnelly said. “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.”
The victim’s fiancé, Raquel Osteikoetxea, delivered an emotional statement before the sentencing, describing how she relives that night repeatedly in her mind. She told the court that on the night of the crash, she had received a text from Bliss saying he couldn’t wait to see her and that she was the love of his life. He had promised some big news that night. “I didn’t know that those would be the last words that I would have from him,” she said. The crash occurred just two blocks from her house, which she described as “the place that my life was permanently destroyed.” She added, “In a matter of moments the life that we had built together was just gone.”
Bliss was a master licensed plumber and avid cyclist who had just joined the American Legion Riders Post 1082 motorcycle club in East Meadow in October, according to family members. His brother, Scott Finkelstein, also addressed the court before sentencing, revealing his own struggle with alcoholism and his path to sobriety through faith. “I was an evil, self-hating drunk who made so many bad decisions,” Finkelstein told Thompson. “We are brothers bound by a sick and powerful disease called alcoholism.” Finkelstein said he speaks to his brother every night through prayer and offered words of forgiveness: “Danny would want me to extend you forgiveness. Find a way to forgive yourself, but also find a forgiving and lovable God.”
Thompson turned to face the family and gallery, which was filled with members of Bliss’s motorcycle club, and apologized. “I’m totally sorry. I don’t even have the right words to say,” he said. “I know his family is going through a lot. I never meant to hurt his family or my family.” The East Meadow motorcycle club plans to hold a ceremony Friday at 7 p.m. to honor the officer and K-9 Shammy who found Thompson hiding in the sump after the crash, according to club director Lenny D’Andrea.
Location & Road Context
The fatal collision occurred on North Jerusalem Road near Sherman Avenue in Nassau County. This intersection is located in a residential area of Levittown, where local traffic frequently makes turning movements throughout the evening hours. The crash site was just two blocks from the victim’s fiancé’s home, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on the local community.
North Jerusalem Road serves as a significant thoroughfare in the area, accommodating both local residential traffic and through traffic. The roadway’s configuration allows for left-turn movements, which was the maneuver Thompson was attempting when the head-on collision occurred with the oncoming motorcycle.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The investigation led to Thompson’s arrest after Nassau County police and a K-9 unit located him hiding in a tree-filled sump area more than a mile and a half from the crash scene. His blood-alcohol content was measured at more than twice the legal limit of 0.08%, and court records revealed a troubling pattern of previous drunk driving arrests - five prior DWI arrests according to court testimony.
Thompson entered a plea deal in February 2026, confessing to three serious charges: aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and fleeing the scene of an accident that resulted in death. The sentencing hearing took place Thursday in Nassau County Court, where he received up to 18 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly’s office, which emphasized Thompson’s pattern of irresponsible behavior and his decision to flee rather than remain at the scene to help the victim.
Broader Impact
This case represents one of the more severe DWI sentences handed down in Nassau County, reflecting both the fatal outcome and Thompson’s extensive history of drunk driving arrests. The 18-year maximum sentence demonstrates the legal system’s approach to repeat DWI offenders who cause fatalities, particularly when combined with fleeing the scene charges. The involvement of the American Legion Riders motorcycle club in supporting the victim’s family and honoring the law enforcement response shows the broader community impact of motorcycle fatalities on Long Island’s riding community.