North Lindenhurst, NY: Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Sunrise Highway Hit-and-Run

A fatal hit-and-run on Sunrise Highway in North Lindenhurst early Tuesday morning left a pedestrian dead and led to the arrest of a Brentwood man, according to Suffolk County police.

Daniel Gomez, 65, was arrested at his home after investigators linked him to the vehicle involved in the crash. Police charged Gomez with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a fatality. He was expected to remain at the Third Precinct overnight before being arraigned Wednesday at First District Court in Central Islip.

The crash happened around 4:25 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, near the intersection of Sunrise Highway and North Indiana Avenue in North Lindenhurst.

Police said the pedestrian was crossing the westbound side of Sunrise Highway when he was struck by a 2012 Honda Accord. The driver did not remain at the scene and left the area following the collision.

The victim was identified as 56-year-old Erik Ermanovics. Police said Ermanovics was homeless. He was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip after the crash, where he was pronounced dead.

Police responded to the area shortly after the crash as investigators worked to determine what happened and identify the vehicle and driver involved.

The serious crash affected traffic on Sunrise Highway for much of Tuesday morning. According to News 12, both directions of the highway were shut down while police investigated the scene. The roadway reopened around 1 p.m.

The crash occurred near Babylon Town Hall, an area where drivers traveling through North Lindenhurst regularly use Sunrise Highway.

People who were in the area said they were surprised to learn that a pedestrian had been killed at the location. Some drivers described the stretch of roadway as an area they did not normally consider especially dangerous.

The arrest of Gomez came after police investigators identified him and located him at his home. He was then taken into custody and charged in connection with the fatal crash.

The case remains under investigation by Suffolk County police. The arrest represents the latest development in the investigation into the death of Ermanovics, while the legal process involving Gomez is expected to continue following his arraignment.

Drivers traveling through the area Tuesday morning were urged to be aware of emergency activity and the temporary road closures as investigators processed the crash scene.