Police: Long Island Gas Station Worker Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver Stealing Gas

UPDATE: Police Identify Suspect Wanted in Hit-Run Death of Beloved Gas Station Manager on Long Island

A Long Island gas station attendant was mowed down by a driver trying to get away with $22 worth of stolen gasoline, police say. 

The attendant -- identified as 59-year-old Cemal Dageviren, a Turkish immigrant and father of two who'd been pumping gas at Pit Stop gas station in South Hempstead for 25 years -- was killed while just doing his job Monday morning, police said. 

Dagevrien pumped $22 worth of gas into a black GMC Yukon and was trying to collect payment when the driver wearing an orange hat got into the car and tried to take off. The SUV, which already had front-end damage on it when it arrived, had no plate or registration 

Surveillance video shows Dagevrien trying to block the driver from leaving. The driver mowed him down as he fled.

Neighbor Joe Loliscio was walking his dog when he came upon the tragic scene. 

"He was lying in the street," he said. "Women were out there who witnessed it, they were crying, yelling it was a hit and run." 

Nassau police called it a vehicular homicide. 

"Oh, my God. I am sick. Sick over this," said Sandi Aruti, a regular customer at the station who knew the attendant.

Rodi Polat, who once worked with the victim, said he was "a good guy, very good to customers." 

Police were on the scene all day Monday, looking for evidence as they searched for the driver. 

His family was in mourning Tuesday, reflecting on the hard-working father who provided so much.

"He just did what he was supposed to do as a parent," said older son Ali Dagdeviren. "Me and my brother are here because of him." 

Longtime customers stopped at the gas station to add to the memorial, honoring the reliable mechanic and friendly face who made their days a little better.

A $10,000 reward was being offered to help bring Dagdeviren's killer to justice.