Levittown Man Pleads Guilty After DWI, Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed North Bellmore Motorcyclist: NCDA

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — A Levittown man pleaded guilty on Wednesday after an October 2025 hit-and-run DWI crash that killed a North Bellmore man, according to the DA's office.

The Nassau County District Attorney's Office said that Patrick Thompson, 59, was more than twice the legal limit for alcohol when he crashed into 63-year-old Daniel Bliss, who was driving a motorcycle. Nassau County police said Thompson fled the scene of the crash on foot.

Thompson pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Bogle to aggravated vehicular homicide (a B felony), leaving the scene of an incident without reporting (a D felony), and aggravated driving while intoxicated per se (an unclassified misdemeanor), the DA's office said.

The DA's office said Thompson is expected to be sentenced to 6 to 18 years in prison on April 2, 2026.

"Patrick Thompson was more than two times the legal limit for alcohol when he crashed into Daniel Bliss’ motorcycle," Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said. "Instead of taking responsibility, this defendant fled, leaving Daniel to die in the street, and was found by K-9 officers cowering behind trees in a sump nearly a half mile away. He may have run, but he could not hide from prosecution, and with today’s guilty plea, my office is taking another dangerous driver off our roads to prevent further senseless tragedies like this one."

According to the charges, DA Donnelly said that the crash took place on Oct. 26 at approximately 11:01 p.m. Thompson was driving a 2009 Chevrolet westbound on North Jerusalem Avenue near the intersection of Sherman Avenue in North Bellmore when he attempted to make a left turn into a convenience store parking lot, the DA's office and NCPD said.

Bliss was driving his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on North Jerusalem Avenue when he was struck by Thompson's car nearly head-on, throwing Bliss to the ground, the DA's office said. Bliss suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, the DA's office said. After the crash, Thompson fled the scene on foot, the DA's office said.

Thompson was located by NCPD's K-9 Unit more than an hour later and nearly a half mile from the crash, hiding in a tree-filled sump, the DA's office said. He displayed signs of intoxication, and a blood sample taken showed his blood alcohol content was .18 percent, approximately three hours after the crash, the DA'S office said.

He was arrested by the NCPD's Homicide Squad on Oct. 27, 2025, the DA'S office said.

Daniel Bliss' friends, loved ones, the community, and Legion colleagues mourned the heavy loss. An obituary was posted on the Jerusalem Memorial Chapels website in October: "Daniel 'Danny' Bliss, aged 63, passed away tragically on October 26, 2025."

"Danny is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Ila. He was the beloved brother of Donna, who remembers him not just as a sibling, but as a true friend. His girlfriend, Rachel, was a source of joy and partnership in his later years. Together, they shared a love that was evident to all who knew them."

The obituary added: "His ability to fix and build was matched only by his eagerness to support those he loved. Danny's generosity extended beyond his immediate circle, as he dedicated countless hours to supporting the veterans of American Legion Post 1082, a cause close to his heart."

"Danny's passion for motorcycle riding was more than just a hobby; it was a way of life. He found true freedom on the open road, especially when riding with his American Legion brothers. Together, they not only shared the thrill of the ride but also a commitment to fellowship and service. Danny's dedication to the Legion's mission was unwavering, and he was always ready to step up for his fellow veterans."