Police: Schenectady suspicious death investigation concludes man struck by vehicle; Witnesses sought

PHOTOGRAPHER: File Photo

A Schenectady police surveillance camera keeps watch on the parking lot at 760 State St. Thursday

SCHENECTADY — The investigation into a man’s suspicious death early Christmas morning has concluded he was struck and killed by a vehicle, police said Tuesday.

Police are searching for anyone who may have been in the area between 3 and 4 a.m. and witnessed the crash or anything else suspicious.

Police Thursday identified the man who died as Alejandro Melendez, 51, of Schenectady.

Melendez’ body was discovered just after 8 a.m. Wednesday in the parking lot at 760 State St. Someone reported to 911 dispatchers a man was down there and responding officers and firefighters found Melendez lying in the parking lot.

An autopsy completed Thursday morning found Melendez died from blunt force trauma from being struck by a vehicle and his death was ruled a homicide.

Detectives continued their investigation Thursday. Police did not explicitly say when Melendez was most likely hit, but they specifically asked about the time frame between 3 and 4 a.m.

Anyone who may have been near 760 State St. during that hour and who may have witnessed the crash or anything suspicious is asked to contact police at 518-788-6566.