Driver Shot on Commack Road Early Sunday, Treated and Released

A man was shot while driving southbound on Commack Road north of the Long Island Expressway around 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, Suffolk County Police said. The driver, whose identity has not been released, drove himself to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment, and the investigation into the overnight shooting is ongoing.

Police said the gunfire came from another vehicle traveling on or near Commack Road. Patch reported that an occupant of another vehicle fired multiple shots at the victim’s car; News 12 noted shots were fired by someone inside a car traveling in an unknown direction on Commack Road. Authorities have not provided a description of the suspect vehicle or identified the shooter.

Accounts differ slightly on the victim’s hospital status. Patch reported the driver was treated and released after the incident; Newsday and News 12 said police expected him to be released later Sunday. All outlets agree the man self-transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore and that no additional injuries have been reported.

The Suffolk County Police Department is leading the probe and has released limited information. Police have not disclosed the victim’s name, the number of people involved, any motive, or whether the parties knew one another. News 12 reported that police said no further information was expected to be released at this time; Patch and Newsday described the investigation as ongoing.

Neighbors in Commack said the shooting caught them off guard. Resident Lal Uttam told News 12, "It’s a complete surprise to us." News 12 also reported that while street racing is common on Saturday nights in the area, residents said a shooting was unprecedented; police have not linked the overnight shooting to street racing or any other activity.

Newsday published a photo by Evan Rolla showing Suffolk County police at the scene north of the Long Island Expressway. Investigators have not announced any arrests or charges; anyone with information about the incident on Commack Road around 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, is asked to contact the Suffolk County Police Department. The investigation remains active.