Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a man in North Bellport last on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
A 911 caller reported that a man was shot at Robert Rowley Park, located at 500 Patchogue Ave., at 7:28 p.m.
When police arrived, they found a man, Lonnie Booker, with a gunshot wound. Booker, 43, of North Bellport, was transported to NYU Langone Hospital – Suffolk in Patchogue where he was pronounced dead.
According to police, they have a video of the shooting, which was targeted (victim and suspect knew one another). Also, the victim is known to police.
According to the SCPD, they believe one shot was fired.
The suspect is a Black male who fled in a red sedan. The motive is currently unknown. Police did not confirm if the shooting was gang related.
Suffolk County Legis. Dominick Thorne (LD 7) has led efforts to bring services to individuals at Robert Rowley Park as well as make it a safer place.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Lonnie Booker of North Bellport who was fatally shot,” he said. “I am confident the Suffolk County Police Department will act to locate and arrest the shooter,”
For weeks prior to the incident, Thorne said, he has been responding to concerns at the park and arranged for Suffolk County’s Social Services Department to offer housing assistance to people who have remained at the park overnight.
“Unfortunately, out of all those offered assistance, only one individual accepted,” he added.
He said he has also been in direct contact with Brookhaven supervisor Dan Panico, Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine, police commissioner Kevin Catalina, Brookhaven Town councilman Michael LoGuercio, and other officials.
“I will continue to work with my colleagues in government to bring assistance to those in need of help, and we will continue to support efforts to connect people with necessary and appropriate services and keep the community safe,” he said.
The Town of Brookhaven has taken the lead in making the park safer, including new fencing and limited access. Thorne said they have also increased police patrols and will continue to push Social Service Department services despite the incident not being a homeless issue.
“The event that occurred the other night was certainly a tragedy, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family,” said councilman Michael Loguercio. “
According to Loguercio, he, along with supervisor Dan Panico, and the Town of Brookhaven Parks commissioner, are working closely with Suffolk County law enforcement, Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine, and Thorne to do what is necessary to improve safety at the park so that families can continue to enjoy the facility in a safe and secure manner.
Dennis Nix Sr., advocate for the North Bellport community and resident, said community members have also presented ideas to local officials for the park and community.
“It’s tragic what happened at Robert Rowley Park last Tuesday. Lonnie Booker is a cousin of mine, RIP. I’ve been in contact with local officials the entire summer about concerns that residents of our community have had,” he said.
“We know the issues at the park and in the community and it’s time for solutions. If [for] nothing else, our children deserve a safe place to live and flourish.”
Additionally, there was an issue at NYU-Langone following the shooting. Emmanuel Mayo, 37, of Riverhead, was charged with harassment 2nd degree and resisting arrest.
Mayo pushed an officer while trying to gain access to the hospital. When they tried to arrest him for harassment for that, he resisted.
At the hospital, no weapons were recovered. As a precaution, due to the altercation, there was limited access to the hospital.
Police have been focusing on the park for quality-of-life issues, offering services. On Sept. 23, seven people were in the park after it closed and they were ticketed by the town for trespassing. Four of those seven also had outstanding bench warrants, so they were arrested by SCPD.
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.
