LI CRIME BRIEFS

BALDWIN/Man found running naked on street dies at hospital

Nassau County police are investigating the death yesterday of a man who they say was running naked on a Baldwin street and tried to board a commuter bus.

A First Precinct police officer was told a naked man was running in traffic on Merrick Road near Grand Avenue at about 8:16 a.m., police said.

The officer saw the man, 41, pounding on the door of a commuter bus, trying to gain entry, police said.

He handcuffed the man, in an effort to prevent him from injuring himself or others, police said.

An ambulance and more police arrived, and the man then had "an unknown medical emergency," a police statement said.

Medical assistance was provided at the scene, police said.

The man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:56 a.m.

Police, who have not released the man's identity, said the investigation is ongoing.

-- Gary Dymski

UNIONDALE/Search for driver of vehicle that hit and critically injured man

Police are searching for a driver who struck a man crossing Jerusalem Avenue in Uniondale late Tuesday, leaving the pedestrian critically injured.

The hit-and-run accident occurred at Greengrove Avenue just before 10 p.m., Nassau County police said. The 52-year-old victim suffered "severe head and chest trauma" and was taken to a hospital, police said.

The vehicle, described as a white minivan, possibly a Dodge or Chrysler, was eastbound on Jerusalem and drove away without stopping, police said. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. Police said all calls will remain confidential.

-- John Valenti