Long Island School District 'Hyper-Vigilant' While Police Search For Suspect

LONG ISLAND, NY — School officials in Shoreham-Wading River remained "hyper-vigilant" Friday after law enforcement agencies conducted a search for a slaying suspect in a wooded area next to the district's complex, according to a spokeswoman.

A search is underway after Suffolk police say 23-year-old, Matthew Zoll, stabbed his father to death early Saturday morning.

A police command post was set up on William Floyd Parkway and dozens of law enforcement vehicles, including from the sheriff's office and the state Department of Environmental Conservation were parked near the school's grounds on Thursday.

Earlier in the week, school district officials emailed parents to let them know about the activity "on and near our campus," as part of the search.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we will have additional guards on duty tomorrow for the school day at our campuses and will remain vigilant," the letter from Schools Superintendent Gerard W. Poole said. "As usual, should any suspicious activity be observed or should the district be advised by law enforcement of a threat our security protocols will be activated."

"Safety and security are our highest priority," he concluded.

Neighbors reported seeing police search the woods along Route 25A from Rocky Point to Calverton between 3 and 5 p.m. on Wednesday night. The operation snarled traffic, causing it to back up into the Port Jefferson area, according to residents. Another resident reported that traffic was backed up further east into Route 58 in Riverhead.

A police spokesperson confirmed the operation, saying that the department was searching "the entire area," but declined any specific details.

Homicide squad detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding Zoll, who is wanted for the killing of his father, police said.

Zoll, 23, is 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighs 150 lbs, and has brown hair and brown eyes, one of which has a small scar under it.

He is not believed to be in a vehicle, police said.

Seventh Precinct officers responded to a home on Quail Road in Rocky Point at around 1:25 a.m. on Saturday after a 911 caller reported a stabbing, police said, adding that when officers arrived, they found Joseph Zoll, 61, and he was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives are asking anyone with information, to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, a confidential police hotline.