Neighbors say kids routinely cross tracks

Bellport residents and merchants Thursday described how children routinely cross the Long Island Rail Road tracks and play near the spot where a 13-year-old boy was hit by a train and critically injured as he crossed the rails.

Desmond Jones remained in critical condition Thursday at Stony Brook University Medical Center after he was struck by an LIRR train on the tracks near his Bellport Avenue home shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

MTA police said Desmond and a 14-year-old friend were throwing rocks at vehicles on Montauk Highway near Station Road, just east of the LIRR's Bellport station. As Desmond ran across the tracks to return to his home, south of the tracks, he was "clipped" by an eastbound train, LIRR spokesman Salvatore Arena said.

"He survived, so he couldn't have been hit straight-on," Arena said.

The LIRR said the location wasn't considered "a problematic site in terms of prior incidents," but railroad officials are conducting a review, Arena said. If "special circumstances" warrant a fence, "funding would need to be identified," he said.

He said that education is the best deterrent to trespassing onto tracks and the LIRR offers a "free, comprehensive" safety program for schools.

Andy Abreu, 20, who has worked at the Bellport Deli on Montauk Highway for five years, said he sees children crossing the tracks to come to the store "five or six times a day." One employee said he recognized Desmond and that the teenager and other family members visit the store almost daily.

The boy was being kept unconscious Thursday at the medical center, with pressure on his brain being closely monitored, said his mother, Jameelia Jones.

"My baby -- he still didn't wake up," said Jones, 34. "I just want him to open his eyes, but they want to keep him sedated. They said he's a strong boy."

Desmond's brother, Maurice Matherson, 17, said the boy was hit on the side of his body but had no broken bones. He said doctors told the family Desmond is "going to make it."

MTA police and Suffolk police went to the scene after the teen was struck and questioned Desmond's friend, whom they would not identify because he is a juvenile. The boy admitted throwing railroad track ballast rocks at nearby cars, police said. Suffolk police charged him with criminal mischief.

Matherson said easy access to the LIRR right of way makes it a tempting hangout for neighborhood children, who frequently throw rocks near the tracks and cross them to get to the deli.

"We want a fence or something built, or some kind of walkway so people don't have to cross the tracks," Matherson said.

Steve Montik, owner of Monti's Auto Works on Montauk Highway, said he doesn't believe the LIRR should be faulted.

There are "always people coming and going across the tracks," he said. "If you put up a fence, they'll cut a hole in it."

With John Valenti