Campaign worker in Bellport says he was struck

A volunteer putting up campaign signs for state Sen. Brian Foley (D-Blue Point) reported to police that he was struck in the thigh Monday with a pellet fired from a passing pickup truck.

Francisco Hernandez, 36, of Patchogue, said he was hit in the back of his left thigh around 10 p.m., while putting up Foley signs on Montauk Highway in Bellport.

Hernandez said he did not see a license plate or most of the vehicle, but said he noticed that the truck had a sign for Lee Zeldin, Foley's opponent. Hernandez did not know whether there were other signs on the pickup.

Suffolk police confirmed that Hernandez notified police, and that he declined medical attention. Fifth Precinct officers are investigating the incident.

Mike Johnson, campaign spokesman for Zeldin, said, "I would hope that it's not true. I don't know if it is one of our supporters. . . . It's obviously not something we condone."