Police say 2 men were inside dumpster emptied into garbage truck; 1 dead
Police say the men were in a dumpster located at 108 Veterans Memorial Highway.
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The Suffolk County Police Department has identified the two men who were inside a dumpster in Commack that was emptied into a garbage truck.
Police say the men were in a dumpster located at 108 Veterans Memorial Highway. When the truck stopped at William Rogers Middle School in Kings Park, someone saw a person inside the back of the truck around 6:30 a.m.
Emilson Hernandez, 21, was removed from the truck and transported to Huntington Hospital for a leg injury. Eblein Lopez, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office, police say.
Police say it is believed the men were sleeping in the dumpster.
Kings Park Fire Department First Assistant Chief Michael Frail told News 12 that a paramedic with the department, who understands Spanish, relayed to others that the injured man was telling them that there was another man in the truck. Frail said it took first responders an hour to find the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Superintendent of Schools in the Kings Park Central School District Timothy Eagen sent a note to parents saying, “ We want to assure you that these first responders are addressing an incident that is completely unrelated to our building, our students, or our staff. Furthermore, there is absolutely no threat to the safety of students, faculty or staff and the school day is operating as usual. Out of an abundance of caution, we closed access to the side parking lot where emergency personnel are on scene responding to the matter. We understand the sight of emergency vehicles may cause concern, and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.”
