CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – A quiet Sunday morning in Central Islip was shattered by the sound of gunfire, leaving a man dead and a neighborhood reeling. The incident occurred on And Lane, where police responded to reports of a shooting that claimed the life of Gustavo Gooden. The 40-year-old was shot while sitting in a parked car outside his home, according to Suffolk County Police.
Neighbors on And Lane awoke to the unsettling sight of flashing police lights and yellow crime tape cordoning off their street. The tranquility they once enjoyed was replaced by a crime scene investigation that stretched into the afternoon. “It’s very disturbing,” said one resident. “You wake up on a Sunday morning, planning to go to church, and you’re met with detectives and a crime scene.”
Authorities revealed that the shooting took place when a passenger in the vehicle with Gooden opened fire. Despite the presence of witnesses, the suspect managed to flee the scene, leaving residents anxious and on edge. “I don’t want to go outside,” another neighbor confessed, expressing concern about the potential threat lingering in their community.
Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting, which has left many questions unanswered. Investigators spent hours canvassing the area, collecting evidence, and interviewing residents in an effort to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting.
One woman, identified by neighbors as the victim’s sister, was too distraught to speak about the tragedy. The police towed away a black vehicle from the scene as part of their ongoing investigation, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
Once known for its peaceful atmosphere, the neighborhood of Central Islip is now grappling with a sense of unease. “This used to be a quiet street,” a long-time resident lamented. “Now, it feels like it’s getting worse and worse.”
The community’s sense of security has been shaken, and residents are left hoping for answers as they come to terms with the violence that has disrupted their lives. As the investigation continues, police urge anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to Gooden’s family and restore peace to the neighborhood.