Cops: Homeless man beaten, robbed on railroad tracks in Riverhead

A 33-year-old homeless Hispanic man suffered serious head injuries Sunday after he was beaten and robbed on the Long Island Railroad tracks, Riverhead Town police said.

The victim told police two or three black men beat him in the face and head with an unknown object, “possibly a nearby tree branch,” and robbed him of $400 cash, police said.

The man was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center and admitted to the hospital’s critical care unit with a fractured skull and possible internal injuries, officials said.

The incident took place on the railroad tracks just west of Marcy Avenue, directly behind Long Island Ice & Fuel Plant, according to a report.

He was found bleeding heavily from the face and head shortly before 1 p.m. at BP gas station on West Main Street in Riverhead, police said.

A representative from Long Island Ice & Fuel Plant said no-one witnessed the incident and that “We hope for this stuff not to happen.”

Dan Burke, owner of nearby Long Ireland Beer Company, said, “I was here at that time. I didn’t see anything or I could have done something to help.”

Mr. Burke said he believes the incident was isolated and that he usually doesn’t see homeless people in the area.

When asked if he would like to see increased police presence in the area, Mr. Burke said, “I think they do a pretty good job already.”

Sgt. Sean Egan, detective with the Riverhead Police Department said the investigation is ongoing. He declined to comment further.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call them at 631-727-4500, ext. 332.