Man walking home from work struck and killed in Suffolk County; driver sought
HOLBROOK, Suffolk County (WABC) -- Police are asking for the public's help tracking down a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a man in Suffolk County.
It happened at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday November 19 in Holbrook.
Investigators say 59-year-old Alan Lepre was walking home from work at Stop & Shop on Sunrise Highway when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Veterans Memorial Highway at Grundy Avenue.
Police said Lepre's body was on the ground for nearly eight hours until someone saw him and called police.
"He was quiet dude, he kept to himself a lot," coworker Shawn Kennedy said. "I know the dude probably had his past but the dude tried clean himself up, get his stuff together and then somebody from his opportunity to do something better."
He said the victim worked in the deli for the last to years.
Carolos Sanchez also worked with Lepre.
"Every time he went on break and when I was doing the carts in the summer, he used to watch me do the carts, and make sure I was OK," Sanchez said.
Lepre's coworkers say he lost his mother a few years ago.
The driver who hit Lepre fled the scene and remains at large.
Detectives say the striking vehicle was a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, model year 2016 or newer, and they are working to find the owner. They say the SUV was likely damaged on the right front side.
The supermarket released the following statement:
Stop & Shop continues to mourn the tragic loss of our Holbrook associate, Alan Lepre. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
Suffolk County police are offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 to anyone with any information that leads to an arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-220-TIPS; by using the groups's mobile app, which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play (search P3 Tips); or by submitting tips online at www.P3Tips.com.
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