Police say a man was fatally struck when a thief tried to steal his car in the parking lot of a Bay Shore 7-Eleven.

Police tell News 12 that Dionel Ramirez, 69, was collecting surplus food from the 7-Eleven on Pine Grove Boulevard near Pine Aire Drive just before 6 a.m. Friday when the incident happened.

According to police, a male suspect got in Ramirez's running car and attempted to steal it. Police say Ramirez tried to stop the suspect from taking off and was run over with his own car.

Ramirez's daughter says he was a U.S. Army veteran who often picked up and delivered surplus food to the homeless. Police say the Amityville resident was well-known at the 7-Eleven for his generosity to those less fortunate.

Police say Ramirez's car was recovered nearby, but the suspect is still on the loose. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call the Suffolk Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.