A Long Island father of two was killed in what police believe was a targeted shooting at a North Bellport park, while a separate confrontation involving the victim’s friend prompted a lockdown at a nearby hospital.
Lonnie Booker, 43, was shot in the chest at Robert Rowley Park at approximately 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.
Booker was transported to NYU Langone-Suffolk in East Patchogue, located about three miles from the park. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said Booker appeared to know the shooter. Surveillance footage reportedly showed the suspect leaving the park in a red sedan.
“It appears that it is a targeted attack, and that the victim and perpetrator knew each other,” Catalina told ABC7NY.
No suspect has been arrested. Detectives with the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The turmoil continued at the hospital shortly after Booker arrived.
Police said Booker’s friend, Emmanuel Mayo, went to the hospital and became involved in a confrontation with an officer, according to Greater Long Island.
CHECK THIS OUT: Kim Kardashian Finally Revealed The Reason She And Kris Humphries' Divorced After 72 Days – NewsFinale
Mayo, 37, allegedly pushed an officer as he attempted to enter the hospital and then resisted arrest, police said. Hospital employees and officers temporarily restricted visitors from entering the building until the situation was under control.
Mayo faces charges of second-degree harassment and resisting arrest.
Back at Robert Rowley Park, Booker’s loved ones and friends created a memorial and gathered to grieve.
“My cousin was an outstanding guy, and boom, he shouldn’t have died like that,” Earl Parker told ABC7NY.
The fatal shooting has also renewed questions about security at the park.
Just seven days before Booker was killed, police detained seven people for allegedly trespassing at the park after dark. Four were taken into custody on outstanding warrants, while three received field appearance tickets, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico told Newsday.
Panico said Brookhaven has made significant investments in the park, including installing surveillance cameras after residents raised concerns about people lingering there after hours.
Catalina said Booker was the first person shot in the Fifth Precinct this year, while emphasizing that “one homicide victim is one too many” and “one shooting victim is one too many.”
The investigation into the North Bellport shooting remains ongoing, police said.