Multiple Shootings in Amityville Temporarily Halt LIRR Trains During Evening Commute

Two shootings in Long Island have left one victim fighting for his life and temporarily halted LIRR train service Tuesday evening, police and MTA officials said.

Police are investigating the two shootings in Amityville, the first happening at a cell phone repair store on Merrick Road, leaving a window at the business shattered by a bullet.

Two cars then sped through the streets before the second shooting took place in a residential neighborhood at Oldfield Avenue and Orchard Place, according to police.

Multiple shots were fired in the second incident just before 2 p.m., forcing schools in the area into lockout for two hours.

One victim, a 30-year-old man, was rushed to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries after being shot in the head. He was in surgery Tuesday evening.

A bullethole-ridden car was left at the scene, and is believed to have been driven by the victim.

There is no word on any suspect or suspects at this time, but police do believe they may have known the victim, a known gang member, and that it was not a random act. 

Police were investigating if the shootings were possibly drug- or gang-related. It is not believed those involved lived in the neighborhood.

As a result of the investigation, trains along the Babylon Branch were held in both directions for nearly an hour.

“Due to police activity on the tracks near Merrick, we are temporarily unable to operate trains on the Babylon Branch through the area in either direction. We will restore full service once the police complete their investigation,” read a tweet from the LIRR just before 5:30 p.m..

Service was restored on the line about an hour later, with many trains dealing with heavy delays as a result.