Man fatally shot in North Bellport park days after town said it was stepping up safety enforcement there
Suffolk County police said they responded to Robert Rowley Park on Patchogue Avenue around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and found the victim with a gunshot wound.
More Stories
Suffolk County police said a man was shot and killed at a North Bellport park Tuesday night.
Officers responded to Robert Rowley Park at 500 Patchogue Ave. just before 7:30 p.m. for a report of a person shot.
At the scene, officers said they found the victim, identified as Lonnie Booker, 43, with a gunshot wound.
The Bellport man was taken to NYU Langone Hospital - Suffolk in Patchogue, where he died.
Large crowds of Booker's family and friends gathered outside the hospital last night.
NYU Langone Health Spokesperson James Iorio told News 12 in a statement, "Temporary visitor restrictions were implemented last night as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our staff, patients, and visitors. Patient care was not disrupted and all clinical services continued as normal. We are fully cooperating with the Suffolk County Police Department and its investigation."
Earlier this week, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said the town was stepping up safety enforcement at the park after receiving community concerns about people gathering here after dark.
Panico said seven people were issued summonses here and four of them were arrested on outstanding warrants.
In a statement to News 12, Panico called last night's incident a senseless loss of life and added, "Our hearts go out to the victim and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."
The Brookhaven Parks Department turned over all available video footage from the park to Suffolk County police to help with the investigation.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact Homicide Squad detectives at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
The investigation is ongoing.
