A 43-year-old Long Island father of two was killed in what police described as a targeted shooting at a North Bellport park. Hours later, the victim’s friend allegedly clashed with police at the hospital, prompting a temporary lockdown.
Lonnie Booker 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 taken to NYU Langone-Suffolk in East Patchogue, about three miles from the park. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said Booker knew the shooter. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the suspect escaping 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 arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
The violence continued at the hospital shortly after Booker arrived for treatment.
According to Greater Long Island, Booker’s friend Emmanuel Mayo followed him to the hospital and became involved in a confrontation with an officer, police said.
Mayo, 37, allegedly pushed an officer as he attempted to enter the hospital and resisted when officers tried to take him into custody. Police and hospital employees then stopped visitors from entering until the situation was under control.
Mayo faces charges of second-degree harassment and resisting arrest.
A memorial was later created at Robert Rowley Park, where Booker’s relatives and friends gathered to grieve.
“My cousin was an outstanding guy, and boom, he shouldn’t have died like that,” Earl Parker told ABC7NY.
The deadly shooting has also renewed questions about safety at the park.
One week 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 the town has made significant investments in the park, including installing security cameras after neighbors raised concerns about people loitering 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 Tuesday night’s shooting remains ongoing, police said.
