Joseph Olivieri, Nassau County Police Officer, Killed Responding To Long Island Expressway Accident

A Nassau County police officer was killed while responding to a multi-car collision on the Long Island Expressway in North Hills early Thursday morning.

The New York Post reports Joseph Olivieri was on foot when he was fatally struck by a vehicle attempting to drive around the accident site.

The initial crash may have involved a drunk driver.

Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice said in a statement, "I'm deeply saddened by our community's loss and my heart breaks for the officer's family, friends and colleagues. 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."

Several people were injured including the driver who hit Olivieri.

CBS reports 25 officers have been hit in the past ten years between Exits 35 and 41 on the expressway.

Olivieri is survived by his two children, 21-year-old Amanda and 18-year-old Daniel. Flags will fly half staff for the next 30 days.

No charges have been filed at this time but an investigation is ongoing.