Man pleads not guilty in DWI crash that killed off-duty Nassau officer
Officials say Smith was going 70 mph when he was driving and ran through a red light northbound on Alexander Avenue and collided with Officer Patricia Espinosa's car.
The man accused of driving drunk and killing an off-duty Nassau County police officer was arraigned today, nearly a full week since the fatal crash.
Matthew Smith, 20, pleaded not guilty to a driving while intoxicated charge.
Officials say Smith was going 70 mph when he was driving and ran through a red light northbound on Alexander Avenue and collided with Officer Patricia Espinosa's car.
Espinosa, 42, was going westbound on Route 347 near the Smith Haven Mall in St. James last Saturday, Jan. 31, around 6 a.m.
Smith was arraigned on one count of driving while intoxicated. His arraignment was delayed until Friday while he was receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries at Stony Brook University Hospital.
Bail was set for Smith at $1 million.
Today's court appearance marks the latest in a somber and emotional week for Espinosa's family, friends and fellow police officers.
On Wednesday, hundreds paid their respects at her wake in her hometown at the St. James Funeral Home.
Yesterday, there was an even larger showing of support as a sea of blue filled the St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown for Espinosa's funeral.
Espinosa had been with the Nassau County Police Department's Fifth Precinct in Elmont since she joined the force in 2017. Her loved ones remembered her for her infectious smile, community dedication and family-first mindset.
She leaves behind her husband, fellow Nassau County police officer Francisco Malaga, and their daughter, Mia, not yet two years old.
