Tow truck operator killed while picking up disabled vehicle on Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore

A tow truck operator was struck and killed on Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore Tuesday afternoon, Suffolk police said.

Richard Rodriguez, 32, of Freeport, stopped his 2020 Dodge Ram tow truck on the westbound shoulder of Sunrise Highway to pick up a disabled 2007 Chevrolet Suburban west of Brentwood Road, Suffolk police said in a news release. Around 1:40 p.m., Rodriguez was standing on the shoulder when the driver of a passing 2023 Kia Forte struck him, lost control, crossed multiple lanes of traffic and crashed into the center median of the highway.

The tow truck operator was pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed. The driver of the Kia was not injured.

Following the crash, Suffolk police closed all westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway at Brentwood Road — Exit 44 — until 5:27 p.m. Tuesday, a department spokesperson confirmed via email.

Police impounded the Kia, as well as the tow truck and the disabled Chevrolet, for safety checks, according to the news release.

Suffolk police detectives ask anyone with information regarding the event to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.