Man Gunned Down At North Bellport Park

A 43-year-old man was gunned down at a North Bellport park, just days after police and town public safety officers conducted an enforcement operation there in response to community concerns.

Suffolk County Police said a 911 caller reported a man had been shot at Robert Rowley Park, 500 Patchogue Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found Lonnie Booker, 43, of North Bellport, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Booker was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk in Patchogue, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have announced no arrest, suspect or possible motive. Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating.

The killing comes amid heightened concerns about activity at Robert Rowley Park.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said in a Facebook post that Suffolk County Police and Brookhaven Public Safety officers conducted an enforcement operation at the park after dusk last Thursday in response to community concerns.

Seven people found in the park after closing were issued summonses, Panico said. Four were also arrested on outstanding warrants, while the other three were escorted from the property.

“We will continue to approach this situation with compassion, but compassion must be coupled with accountability,” Panico wrote. “At the same time, our laws and park rules will be enforced.”

Panico said Suffolk County officials had also brought social services directly to the park to offer housing assistance to people staying there, but only one person accepted the offer.

“The Town invests heavily in our beautiful park system, and our residents deserve to be able to use and enjoy these public spaces safely,” Panico wrote. “We will not allow any Town park to be overtaken by illicit activity or conduct that prevents families and residents from enjoying it.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Homicide Squad detectives at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.