Levittown Man Sentenced After North Bellmore Hit-And-Run DWI Crash Killed Motorcyclist: NCDA

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — A Levittown man was sentenced on Thursday to up to 18 years in prison after a hit-and-run DWI crash in North Bellmore that killed a 63-year-old motorcyclist, the Nassau County District Attorney's office said.

Daniel Bliss was killed after the North Bellmore crash, Nassau County police said, leaving those who loved him wreathed in sadness.

According to his obituary, posted on the Jerusalem Memorial Chapels website:

"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."

Patrick Thompson, 59, pleaded guilty on February 25 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.

Thompson was sentenced on April 2 to six to 18 years in prison, the DA's office said.

"After the crash, and a passing glance at Daniel as he died in the street, the defendant ran and hid like a coward," District Attorney Anne 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."

On October 26, 2025, at approximately 11:01 p.m., Thompson was driving west 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 said. As he attempted the turn, he struck a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling eastbound on North Jerusalem Avenue, the DA's office said.

63-year-old Daniel Bliss was driving his motorcycle when he was struck nearly head-on and was thrown to the ground, the DA's office said. Bliss suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, the DA's office said.

The DA's office said that after the crash, Thompson exited his car, looked at Bliss, and fled the scene on foot.

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

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brittany Battista of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins, and Thompson is represented by Peter Tsombekis, Esq., the DA's office said.