Suffolk police investigating after man found dead in Patchogue

Suffolk County police are investigating after the body of an East Patchogue man was found in the street on Rider Avenue in Patchogue on Saturday night.

Police identified the man as Clarence Wyche, 39. A passing motorist saw a body with "extensive head injuries" on the side of Rider Avenue, near Edwards Street, about 10:20 p.m. Saturday, according to a police statement. Wyche was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Sunday morning at the scene, Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer, commander of the homicide squad, initially said police ruled out the death as vehicle-related and determined the man had been shot.

However, on Sunday afternoon, a police spokeswoman said, “Further investigation revealed that he was not shot.”

She said the details surrounding his death had not been revealed and the investigation is continuing.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.

With James Carbone