HEMPSTEAD — Officials said the Oakdale man charged in connection with the death of the Nassau police officer who was fatally struck on the Long Island Expressway was driving drunk. According to prosecutors, 25-year-old James Ryan had a blood alcohol content of .09 when he caused two accidents near Exit 35. Nassau police veteran Joseph Olivieri was responding to that car crash when authorities said a vehicle fatally struck him.

Ryan faces several charges, including vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment and DWI.