Driver busted on DWI, manslaughter charges in Nassau cop's death

A Nassau County police officer responding to a multi-vehicle crash on the Long Island Expressway in North Hills was struck and killed by a vehicle, authorities said.

Police charged a driver for allegedly starting the chain of events that ended in the officer's death.

The deadly incident on the eastbound LIE Thursday morning forced the closure of all eastbound lanes near Exit 34/New Hyde Park Road.

Highway patrolman Joseph Olivieri, 43, had gotten out of his patrol car at the crash scene when he was struck by a Cadillac Escalade SUV that also hit a Toyota that been involved in the earlier crash, reported the Associated Press.

The driver of the SUV told cops that he didn't see the Toyota until just before the collision because it was perpendicular to the lane and no lights were visible to him, the AP reported.

Olivieri, a 14-year-veteran, was rushed to North Shore University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"Early this morning, one of our brave police officers was killed in the line of duty. I'm deeply saddened by our community's loss and my heart breaks for the officer's family, friends and colleagues," said Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

"What I can promise is that we will get to the bottom of exactly what happened this morning, and that we will continue to work tirelessly every day to protect those who risk their lives for the safety of our communities."

Police arrested the driver of the Toyota, James Ryan, 25, of Oakdale, N.Y., and charged him with vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, and leaving an incident without a report, officials said.

Police Commissioner Thomas Dale said no charges have been filed at this time against the driver of the SUV that hit the officer, the AP reported.

A BMW and a Honda were also involved in the initial collision, said officials.

County Executive Edward Mangano ordered flags on county government buildings to be flown at half-staff in Olivieri's honor.