SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Lawrence Brown Jr., a 26-year-old resident of Riverhead, was indicted on multiple charges, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, following a shooting in Hampton Bays in July. The indictment was announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney on Monday.
Brown allegedly fired several shots into a Hampton Bays home on July 7, 2024, during a late-night incident after a personal dispute with a resident. The shots were fired at around 11:40 p.m., and although no one was injured, the residents, who were asleep at the time, initially mistook the sound for fireworks. It wasn’t until the next day that they discovered the bullet holes and contacted the Southampton Town Police Department.
“This arrest is an excellent example of the work that can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together,” District Attorney Tierney said. “We look forward to holding this defendant accountable in court.”
Southampton Town Police Chief James Kiernan praised the efforts of law enforcement, highlighting that the investigation led to the recovery of a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. “Gun violence has no place in Southampton Town and will not be tolerated,” Kiernan said.
The investigation involved a joint effort by the Southampton Town Police Department, Riverhead Police Department, and Suffolk County’s Gang Task Force and East End Drug Task Force. A search warrant executed on August 22 at Brown’s residence led to the recovery of the firearm from his bedroom.
Brown was arraigned on September 9, 2024, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. He is facing the following charges:
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C violent felonies),
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class D felony),
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E felony).
Justice Senft set Brown’s bail at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond. Brown, who is being represented by the Legal Aid Society, is scheduled to appear in court again on September 24, 2024. If convicted on the top charge, Brown faces up to 15 years in prison.