Cops Nab Suspect In Deadly Sunrise Highway Hit-Run

A Brentwood man accused of mowing down a homeless pedestrian on Sunrise Highway and fleeing the deadly scene was tracked down and arrested by Suffolk County cops following an intensive investigation, police said.

Daniel Gomez, 65, was arrested at his home after Major Case Unit detectives investigated the fatal hit-and-run that killed Erik Ermanovics, 56.

Police said Ermanovics was crossing the westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway at North Indiana Avenue at approximately 4:25 a.m. when he was struck by a 2012 Honda Accord.

The driver allegedly fled in the car, leaving Ermanovics critically injured in the roadway.

Ermanovics was rushed to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead.

The deadly hit-and-run immediately triggered a hunt for the driver, with investigators working to determine who was behind the wheel and locate the vehicle.

Major Case Unit detectives ultimately identified Gomez as the alleged driver and arrested him at his Brentwood home later that day, police said.

Gomez was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Involving a Fatality.

Police initially withheld the victim’s identity while authorities worked to notify his next of kin. On Wednesday, Suffolk County Police publicly identified the victim as Ermanovics, who was homeless.

Gomez was held overnight at the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Precinct before his scheduled arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip.

Police have not accused Gomez of intentionally striking Ermanovics. The charge announced by authorities concerns his alleged decision to leave the scene following the fatal collision.

The investigation was conducted by Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives.

The charge against Gomez is an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.