Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a tow truck operator in Bay Shore on Tuesday, April 15.
Richard Rodriguez was working as a tow truck operator and attempting to load a disabled 2007 Chevrolet Suburban onto the back of 2020 Dodge Ram tow truck while standing on the shoulder of westbound Sunrise Highway, west of Brentwood Road, when he was struck by a passing 2023 Kia Forte at 1:40 p.m.
As a result of the impact, the operator of the Kia, Anthony Licalzi, lost control of the vehicle and crossed several lanes of traffic before striking the center median.
Rodriguez, 32, of Freeport, was pronounced dead on the scene. Licalzi, 38, of Massapequa, was not injured.
All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.