Farmingville hit-and-run driver stopped, got out of car, then took off, police say
FARMINGVILLE, N.Y. -- Police on Long Island are investigating a hit and run that took the life of a hardworking mason.
It happened in Farmingville.
"It's just sad talking about it. But he was good friend, and a great worker. He was a great stone man. It's just a shame he's gone," Joe Loliscio said.
Alberto Vazquez, 56, an immigrant from Mexico who moved to the U.S. 23 years ago, was a hardworking mason who helped build beautiful stonework on hundreds of homes on Long Island.
Loliscio, Vazquez's boss-turned-family friend, was emotional Friday.
"Everyone called him 'Radio.' Everybody loved him. He was a great guy. He worked with me for 23 years, ended up living with me in my home with my wife," Loliscio said.
Police said Vazquez's life ended abruptly on Dec. 11 along a busy roadway in Farmingville, just feet from a medical clinic.
"He may have suffered a hand laceration at work. We believe he was going to a nearby medical clinic," Suffolk County Chief of Detectives John Rowan said. "That vehicle operator stopped momentarily, exited his vehicle and walked back toward the scene where our victim was lying in the roadway."
Detectives said the driver of the car took off as onlookers gathered.
Sadly, police say another vehicle ran Vazquez over. That driver remained on the scene.
"It seems that our suspect took advantage of the commotion with the secondary crash and used that to flee the scene," Rowan said.
Police said there were 16 fatal hit-and-runs in Suffolk County this year, including Vazquez's death. Twelve of those cases have been solved.
Investigators are searching for a gray 2003 to 2007 four-door Honda Accord with a missing passenger side mirror.
As police hunt for the person who hit Vazquez and left him for dead, his friends and coworkers are hoping the driver turns himself in.
"I miss him every day. He's part of my life, part of my business," Loliscio said. "Everybody loved him. Customers loved him. He had the best heart."
Police say there were multiple witnesses at the time of the crash.
They're asking anyone with information to call crimestoppers ...
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Suffolk County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, using the mobile app or online at www.P3Tips.com.
