Man fatally shot at North Bellport park; Police searching for suspect
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
Police are searching for the person they say shot and killed a man Tuesday evening at Robert Rowley Park in North Bellport.
According to Suffolk County police, 43-year-old Lonnie Booker was shot at about 7:30 p.m. at the park on Patchogue Avenue. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said the shooting was captured on town surveillance cameras.
“We had a tragic murder that was caught on camera,” Panico said. “The Town of Brookhaven has cameras here. All of that footage has been turned over to the Suffolk County police.”
Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said investigators believe the shooting was targeted.
“It was a targeted attack, and we believe that the suspect fled from the scene in a vehicle,” Catalina said. “That vehicle has not been located at this point.”
Previous coverage from News 12's Jonathan Gordon:
Police said a single gunshot was fired, and Booker was shot in the chest. Investigators said the suspect fled in a red sedan.
Officials also said efforts are underway to improve safety at the park through increased police patrols and expanded outreach services.
“They were there six days last week to try to address some of the problems,” said Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne. “If you're a kid from the neighborhood, the only thing you should be worried about is playing. You shouldn't worry about picking up hypodermic needles. You shouldn't worry about an unsafe park.”
Police recently arrested four people on outstanding warrants and issued three summonses for being in the park after dark. Authorities also arrested one person for causing a disturbance outside the Patchogue hospital where Booker was pronounced dead.
The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Suffolk County police.
