Central Islip man killed by hit-and-run driver

Suffolk County police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who killed a pedestrian early Sunday in Central Islip.

A vehicle struck Lorenzo Fuentes, 64, of Central Islip, who was walking east along Motor Parkway at Highland Road, between Calebs Path and Church Drive, shortly before 5 a.m., police said.

Family said Fuentes, a factory worker who helped produce metal objects, was walking to a bus stop on his way to work.

He was married with seven children and was a grandfather. He held several jobs, niece Sandra Fuentes said, including one at Hyde Park Mouldings in Hauppauge.

"He was a great uncle, a great son, a father," said Fuentes, 24, of Central Islip. "He was always there for other people; his laugh will always be memorable to everyone and God bless him."

The vehicle, described as a silver Dodge or Chrysler, was heading east and struck Fuentes from behind, according to police.

He emigrated from El Salvador about 20 years ago. "He was always around his community," Fuentes said. "He is best known around Central Islip; he was outgoing, always talkative."

The driver sped away immediately after striking Fuentes. Fuentes was declared dead at the scene by the Suffolk County medical examiner's office.

Police suspect the late-model Dodge or Chrysler has damage to the front and passenger side. Police said anyone with information could call the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.com,john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury,

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.