Pedestrian Killed After Crashing Stolen Box Truck on Southern State: Police

Authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a Long Island man who was struck by several cars when he walked into traffic after crashing a stolen box truck on the Southern State Parkway early Thursday morning, according to State Police.

The box truck, which was reported stolen from New York City, was operating erratically eastbound on the Southern State Parkway when police said it struck a guide rail east of exit 21, near Nassau Road in Uniondale, at 1:46 a.m.

Witnesses say two men and a black dog exited the truck.

The driver of the box truck, later identified as Rick Munoz, 28, of Oyster Bay, walked into the roadway and was fatally struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, police said. Munoz was then struck by additional vehicles that also left the scene, the investigation reveals.

The dog was also struck by a vehicle and killed, police said.

The passenger in the box truck was identified as Joel Padilla, 27, of the Bronx, police said. Padilla was arrested and charged with fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact the New York State Police in Farmingdale at 631-756-3300.

Photo of stolen box truck via NYS Police