Prior Violent Felony Offender Convicted For Firing 10 Shots Outside LI Baby Shower: DA

NORTH AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — A Central Islip man has been convicted on weapons charges after prosecutors said he fired 10 shots outside a baby shower at the North Amityville Fire Department last year, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Tuesday.

According to prosecutors, 37-year-old Michael Lyles was found guilty Monday of two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both violent felonies. A Suffolk County jury delivered the verdict after a multi-day trial before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski.

Prosecutors said the shooting happened on Jan. 27, 2024, as the baby shower was ending. A large fight broke out inside the firehouse and continued into the parking lot, the DA said.

Surveillance footage showed Lyles running to the vehicle he arrived in, opening both passenger-side doors and retrieving a handgun, prosecutors said. According to the DA’s office, Lyles then pointed the weapon toward another guest and fired 10 rounds.

The intended target was not struck; instead, police said several bullets hit a gray Toyota Highlander parked nearby. The vehicle’s windshield, hood, and driver-side panels were damaged, but the SUV was unoccupied, the DA said.

Prosecutors said video also captured Lyles handing the gun to another person, who then fled the scene.

Suffolk County Police First Precinct detectives responded and recovered 10 9mm shell casings and the bullet-ridden SUV, officials said.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Lyles’ home and recovered the sweatshirt prosecutors say he was seen wearing in the surveillance footage, the DA said.

Tierney said Lyles was on parole at the time of the shooting. He previously served prison time for a 2018 conviction for attempted second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, the DA said. Prosecutors said that after the North Amityville shooting, Lyles violated his parole and fled the area. With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, investigators located and arrested him about seven months later, the DA said.

“This defendant, a convicted felon on parole, discharged a loaded weapon at another individual 10 times in the parking lot of a fire department after a baby shower,” Tierney said in a statement. “This conviction ensures that a dangerous repeat offender is held accountable for his actions. Our community will not tolerate individuals who bring guns to gatherings and open fire.”

Justice Pilewski remanded Lyles following the verdict. He is due back in court for sentencing on Jan. 13, 2026. Prosecutors said Lyles faces 25 years to life in prison. He is represented by the Legal Aid Society, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.