News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Taxing Long Island
Vote 2026: Long Island elections
Rain
64°
Local
Crime
Weather
Taxing Long Island
Vote 2026: Long Island elections

Police: Elmont man arrested for shooting at people trying to break into his vehicle

David Leary was taken into custody and is facing multiple gun-related charges, including reckless endangerment.

Cole McDonnell

and

Kevin Vesey

•

Mar 24, 2025, 10:07 PM

•

Updated

Share:

More Stories

An Elmont man has been arrested after allegedly firing a gun when he saw individuals tampering with his car in his driveway early this morning.

The incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m., led to the arrest of 62-year-old David Leary.

Joyce Leary, David’s wife, spoke exclusively with News 12 about the event.

She described the situation as a reaction out of fear, explaining that the couple’s cars had been stolen about a year ago, which led to heightened anxiety about the potential danger.

"He didn’t try to hurt anybody. He was just trying to scare them away," Joyce Leary said. "He thought there were about six people in his driveway, and he was afraid. He reacted out of fear to protect our family."

Police reported that the shots fired struck two vehicles, a garbage can and a fence. No one was injured.

Leary was taken into custody and is facing multiple gun-related charges, including reckless endangerment.

He is currently being held in jail and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

Top Stories

01:44
LI 5PM THURS_Student Stabbed_ajc_2026-11-05-17-03-56

15-year-old in custody after allegedly stabbing student at Sachem High School East

01:29
F Alert StormWatch

STORM WATCH: Scattered heavy rain to slow travel at times through Friday

01:39
LI 10pm_Tax Hike Increase_ajc_2026-11-05-22-18-59

Residents blast proposed 6% tax increase in Babylon

00:40
LILogan5pmStudentDeadKK_2026-05-28-17-37-41

Family of Sag Harbor student who drowned on rafting trip sues school district

00:25
sexual assault

EMT indicted after alleged sexual abuse of co-worker at Farmingville firehouse

01:31
LI 5PM THURS_Mastic Beach Library_ajc_2026-11-05-17-14-49

Police step up presence near Mastic Beach library following safety concerns

00:29
115liexclusive_2026-11-05-12-13-56

Exclusive viewer video shows police respond to attempted car theft in Massapequa

00:26
115verdefire_2026-11-05-12-05-22

Fire forces closure of Verde Kitchen & Cocktails in Bay Shore

00:19
115brookvillerobbery_2026-11-05-07-08-58

Brooklyn duo arrested after Old Brookville man gets hit with crowbar in violent home burglary

00:16
Pedestrian killed

Woman fatally struck by car while crossing street in East Meadow

00:16
child sex abuse charges

East Hampton attorney accused of possessing child sex abuse images on work, personal devices

00:21
115stalkerteacher_2026-11-05-05-25-58

Valley Stream North teaching assistant fired amid allegations of stalking student

01:29
115roadtrip_2026-11-05-05-27-22

An eco-friendly luxury cruise brings a taste of Europe to Northport. Here's how to plan your trip!

01:37
115juliajetblue_subclip_subclip_2026-11-05-06-13-54_06-02-01,18

JetBlue raises checked bag fees again, citing higher fuel costs amid Iran conflict

01:12
115taxingLI_2026-11-05-05-54-18

Taxing LI: Popular weight-loss drugs help drive up health insurance costs, experts say

01:20
Screenshot 2026-11-04 131835

Bradley Whitford celebrates a Broadway homecoming in “A Few Good Men,” the show where it all began

00:54
115eastend_2026-11-05-06-02-16

The East End: Hampton Bass Fishing

01:29
LI 10PM WED_Car Thefts_ajc_2026-11-04-22-03-59

East Northport neighbors report string of vehicle thefts and break-ins caught on camera

01:10
5PM LI_School Threat_ajc_2026-11-04-17-45-21

Brentwood High School lockdown lifted after threatening phone call deemed not credible

00:51
LI 10PM WED_Canine Companions_ajc_2026-11-04-22-19-59

Canine Companions honors local veterans for service and community impact in Bay Shore

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices