Hempstead, New York

From Long Island’s Newsday.com of June 20, 2006

Police: Concrete thrown, shots fired

A 42-year-old man shot at two Brooklyn men early yesterday in Hempstead after they threw at least two pieces of concrete at him, Nassau police said.

Shortly after 1 a.m., the shooter, whose weapon was registered, fired several 9-mm. shots at the men, who were in a sport utility vehicle on Virginia Avenue, police said. The man, whom police did not identify, shot one of the men in the left leg.

Police later arrested Cieron Coley and Matthew Woods, both 22 of Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. An unidentified 12-year-old boy was in the SUV with them, though he did not appear to be hurt, police said.

It was unclear why the men were in the neighborhood or what set off the confrontation, but police said Coley and Woods stepped out of the SUV on Virginia Avenue and threw concrete at the man. The pieces of concrete smashed through the man's front house window and the rear window of his 2004 BMW, police said.

That's when the man, who police said has a valid Nassau pistol permit, shot at them, striking Coley in the leg. Coley and Woods drove off but were arrested in the area a short time later, police said.

Coley was taken to Mercy Hospital Medical Center for his gunshot wound. After treatment, he was released to Hempstead police, authorities said.

Both men were charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief; Woods, apparently responsible for the boy, also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

They were arraigned yesterday at First District Court in Hempstead. Neither Coley nor Woods could be reached for comment.