Crime & Safety
Car Crash Kills Tow Truck Operator On LI: Police
A tow truck driver was hit and killed while trying to load a vehicle onto his truck on the shoulder of a Long Island highway, police say.
BRENTWOOD, NY – A tow truck operator was hit and killed while helping a vehicle in need on Long Island Tuesday afternoon, Suffolk County police told Patch.
Police said that Richard Rodriguez, 32, of Freeport, was working as a tow truck operator and loading a disabled 2007 Chevrolet Suburban onto a 2020 Dodge Ram tow truck on the shoulder of westbound Sunrise Highway, west of Brentwood Road, when he was struck by a 2023 Kia Forte around 1:40 p.m.
The Kia's driver, Anthony Licalzi, 38, of Massapequa, lost control of the vehicle and crossed several lanes of traffic before striking the center median, police said.
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Rodriguez was pronounced dead on the scene while Licalzi was not injured, police said.
Shortly after the crash, Patch reported that westbound Sunrise Highway was closed at exit 45 and police advised motorists to use alternate routes.
Find out what's happening in Brentwood-Central Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks, police said.
Anyone with information about the crash may call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.
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