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North Bellmore Today
By the People, for the People
Levittown Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Deadly DWI Crash
Patrick Thompson pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges in the 2025 incident that killed Daniel Bliss.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:37pm
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A shattered motorcycle headlight lens captures the tragic aftermath of a deadly drunk driving crash.North Bellmore TodayA Levittown man was sentenced to up to 18 years in prison for a drunken driving crash in October 2025 that killed a 63-year-old motorcyclist in North Bellmore, New York. Patrick Thompson pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene, and aggravated DWI after his vehicle struck Daniel Bliss' motorcycle, throwing him to the ground with fatal injuries. Thompson fled the scene on foot but was later found hiding in a nearby sump, with a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tragic consequences of drunk driving and the need for stricter enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk. The sentencing sends a strong message about the gravity of these crimes and the importance of holding impaired drivers accountable.
The details
On October 26, 2025, Thompson was driving west on North Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore and attempted to make a left turn into a convenience store parking lot as 63-year-old Daniel Bliss was driving his motorcycle eastbound. Thompson struck Bliss' motorcycle nearly head-on, throwing him to the ground with fatal injuries. After the crash, Thompson exited his car, looked at Bliss, and then fled the scene on foot. Police found Thompson over an hour later and nearly a half mile away, hiding in a tree-filled sump. Thompson's blood alcohol content was 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit in New York.
- On October 26, 2025, the fatal crash occurred.
- In February 2026, Thompson pleaded guilty to the charges.
- On April 2, 2026, Thompson was sentenced to 6 to 18 years in prison.
The players
Patrick Thompson
A Levittown man who pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene, and aggravated DWI for a 2025 crash that killed a motorcyclist.
Daniel Bliss
A 63-year-old motorcyclist who was killed when his motorcycle was struck nearly head-on by Thompson's vehicle in North Bellmore.
What they’re saying
“'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. 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.'”
— Donnelly, District Attorney
What’s next
The judge's sentence of 6 to 18 years in prison for Thompson will now go into effect.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk. The lengthy prison sentence handed down to Thompson serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of these crimes and the importance of holding impaired drivers fully accountable for their actions.