Twitter/Brianna Corallo Shooting at IHOP in Ronkonkoma, Long Island, New York
Suffolk County (Long Island) Police are investigating a shooting at an IHOP in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. Police said they initially thought the incident to be an “active shooter event in progress” given the number of calls they received from people inside the restaurant. After a preliminary investigation, Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said there were two groups of people at the restaurant and one person from one group approached the other group and a person from that group “fired multiple shots” striking the person. The chief did not name the person who was shot.
But the person police believe was the shooter was apprehended.
Suffolk County Police officers responded to a shooting inside IHOP in Lake Ronkonkoma today. A man approached a group of people when one person sitting at the table shot the man. The people involved are known to each other. The shooter is in custody.
The Suffolk County Executive said it was a “targeted shooting” and the community should not be alarmed that “someone is out there who’s committing a random shooting.”
But authorities did say the popular restaurant was full of patrons including very young children.
Police said there were many patrons inside during the shooting “including a family with a child in a highchair.”
Police said units arrived “at the scene in one minute and 10 seconds.” A total of 50 units responded multiple Lomg Island police precincts, the state highway patrol, emergency services, and canine and aviation units. The investigation is continuing.
What a Witness Saw
A witness who was in the restaurant with her family said five men came into the restaurant just before 1:30 p.m. and “started shooting at each other.”
Brianna Corallo was in the restaurant. She said five men came in the pancake house and opened fire, but not on customers.
“I was just sitting in my local IHOP (Ronkonkoma) with my dad and brother when 5 men came in and started shooting at each other. Thankfully no innocent bystanders were hurt. We hear about it all the time. This world is so crazy.”
Nearby Schools Were Secured as Police Located Suspects
Breaking: Sachem schools on lockdown following shooting during dispute at IHOP restaurant on Long Island. Incident took place on Portion Road in Ronkonkoma.
At least one man treated for a gunshot wound. Two people seen running from scene wanted by cops.
Patch reported that a number of Sachem schools are on lockout” as police responded to a “disturbance.”
BREAKING: Shots Fired at Lake Ronkonkoma IHOP, t.co/GziSup8MQ4
The Ronkonkoma IHOP is a dangerous place
Scary scene here at the IHOP in Ronkonkoma after a shooting broke out in the middle of the packed restaurant. The story @wcbs880.
This is a developing story.