Riverhead man killed in e-bike crash at busy shopping center, police say

A Riverhead man was killed Wednesday evening after crashing an e-bike into a chain-link fence in a shopping center parking lot, according to police.

Officers responded just before 5:45 p.m. to the rear parking lot behind the Ross store on Old Country Road, where they found John Sanmartino, 54, unconscious and in traumatic arrest, police said. He was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where he later died.

Investigators determined Mr. Sanmartino, who was homeless, was not wearing a helmet when he collided with the fence along the western tree line of the busy parking lot.

The fatal crash comes barely a week after Riverhead police warned e-bike and e-scooter riders to obey a new town law following growing concerns over safety and reckless riding.

The stricter law, adopted June 16 after months of debate, includes helmet requirements, speed limits and expanded enforcement authority, though police have not indicated whether the new regulations played any role in Wednesday’s crash.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any further information to call the department at 631-727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential.