UPDATE: Judge sets $200,000 bail for accused shooter
An accused shooter is in custody this morning after Nassau County Police were flooded with emergency calls Sunday about a gun fired in Eisenhower Park on Long Island, a person close to the investigation has disclosed.
Police arrested Lamichael D Taylor, 34, on Felony charges of loaded gun possession and reckless endangerment just after 8:40pm. It remains unclear if Taylor simply provided the gun after he found it discarded, but police say he confessed verbally, then signed a statement of admission. Court records say police recovered shell casings, a gun magazine, and a semiautomatic handgun they say was used to shoot "recklessly" and "created a grave risk of death" by Taylor.
Police sought to interview frightened witnesses inside the park attending scheduled events on Sunday night. Those present described a scene of chaos, screaming, panic and mayhem. It was dark, they said, when they heard the sudden crack of a firearm that was discharged multiple times.
Law enforcement was already on the scene. They quickly sealed off exits, then set up barriers at all the park entrances as additional police arrived. A low flying helicopter hovered overhead, searching for the gunman. According to initial reports, the shooter was active somewhere near Field 5, close to East Meadow, around 7 p.m., but that has not been confirmed. Court filings say the last shots were fired at about 8:00 p.m.
Investigators interviewed witnesses and began hunting for shell casings. They counted five, according to witnesses. Police did not provide a motive for the alleged random shooting.
Court filings indicate Taylor has a prior conviction for gun possession. Under Bail Reform, he District Attorney's office is expected to ask for substantial bail when Taylor is arraigned this afternoon, June 5, 2023, at Nassau County First District Court on Main Street in Hempstead.
Police were checking Emergency Rooms all over the area. Multiple vehicles were parked outside Nassau University Medical Center and other local hospitals looking for anyone who had a gunshot wound. NUMC Is located in East Meadow, down the road from two entrances to Eisenhower Park. Any victim of the shooter at this time remains unknown.
Eisenhower Park has become a popular public venue for organized sports, concerts, picnics, catered affairs since it was acquired by Nassau County.