Lake Ronkonkoma Man Fired Shotgun At Vehicle, Missed And Struck House: Police

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — Officers responding to a two-vehicle crash outside of a Lake Ronkonkoma home ended up arresting a resident on a weapon charge last week, police said.

Officers were called to the scene of the crash on East Lake Terrace at around 3:40 a.m. on Dec. 8, according to police.

It was then that they learned a resident of the street, Jose Trujillo, 38, had gone to the front yard of his home after a person was driving recklessly on his lawn, and fired shots from a shotgun toward the vehicle, but he missed and struck the home across the street, police said.

During their investigation, officers found holes in the siding of the home, and later learned that one of the cars involved in the crash was reported stolen, police said.

The details of the crash were not available.

No one was hurt in the crash or the shooting, according to police.

Trujillo, turned over to officers the shotgun "for safekeeping" and was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, a felony, a police spokesman said. He was additionally charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, prohibited use of a dangerous weapon, and criminal mischief, all misdemeanors, according to the spokesman.

No other people were arrested in connection with the incident.

No further details were available from the police.

Patch has reached out to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Trujillo pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip, online court records show.

He was released on his own recognizance, and a temporary order of protection was issued, according to the records.

His defense attorney, Brian Trodden of Smithtown, could not be immediately reached for comment.