GREENLAWN, NY – July 7, 2026 – 10:00AM
Harborfields Public Library
Inspector Markus Rivera of the Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct led the July 2026 community meeting, where he reviewed June crime statistics, recent arrests, major investigations and public safety initiatives affecting communities across the Town of Huntington.
The meeting was highlighted by details of a long-term investigation that led to the indictment of 10 people accused of operating an illegal massage business enterprise, including three Huntington Station locations. Inspector Rivera also discussed a domestic-related shooting that was quickly solved, a commercial burglary suspect caught in the act, a Fourth of July fireworks arrest following neighborhood complaints, continued e-bike safety enforcement, scam prevention, identity theft, traffic safety initiatives and upcoming community events.
Residents in attendance have the opportunity to share concerns in their neighborhoods, ask questions directly to police leadership, and learn more about ongoing enforcement efforts and crime prevention initiatives throughout the 2nd Precinct.
As always, some of the most informative parts of the meeting came during the resident questions and answers section, where community concerns were discussed directly with police leadership. Watch the full video and review the slides for additional context and details that are not fully captured in this article.
Note: The full meeting video is currently being processed and will be embedded in this article as soon as it is available. Please check back soon.
Crime Statistics
Inspector Markus Rivera opened the meeting by reflecting on the first half of 2026, noting that while violent crime saw a slight increase earlier in the year, the overall volume of incidents remained low and trends are now moving in the right direction. He credited the dedication of the men and women of the 2nd Precinct, strong communication between patrol officers and investigators, and proactive police work for the department’s high clearance rates on major crimes.
During June, officers responded to approximately 5,900 incidents, with Monday being the busiest day of the week. Police also conducted 403 Park, Walk and Talks, where officers leave their patrol vehicles to interact with residents and businesses, gather information, and address community concerns throughout the precinct.
Year-over-year statistics showed violent crime continuing to trend downward from earlier this year, while property crime remained below last year’s levels. Inspector Rivera emphasized that every reduction represents fewer victims and safer neighborhoods throughout the Town of Huntington.
Arrests Breakdown
Police reported 37 felony arrests and 121 misdemeanor arrests during June. Arrest activity also included 3 gang member arrests, 16 drug-related arrests, and 16 DWI arrests.
Inspector Rivera described June as “an excellent month” for police response and arrests, highlighting several investigations that were quickly solved through proactive patrol work, coordinated investigations, and strong communication between responding officers and detectives.
Incidents of Note
Leigh Street, Greenlawn – Police responded to a domestic-related shooting where a woman was struck by a single gunshot while sitting in her vehicle outside her home. Officers immediately provided first aid, secured the scene and recovered evidence. The suspect fled the area but was quickly apprehended following a coordinated investigation involving patrol officers and detectives.
East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington – Officers responding to a burglary at Carvel were alerted by an off-duty officer who observed a suspect breaking into the neighboring Smoke Bizarre. Police surrounded the business and took the suspect into custody after finding him inside eating an orange. The investigation linked the suspect to burglaries at Carvel, Smoke Bizarre, Diva Nail Salon and JCJ Salon, resulting in four burglary charges.
Eighth Avenue, East Northport – After receiving numerous neighborhood complaints about illegal fireworks, officers arrested a resident who allegedly continued discharging them despite having been warned approximately two weeks earlier. Police seized a large quantity of illegal fireworks and mortar tubes from the residence, and the suspect was charged with unlawful possession and discharge of illegal fireworks.
Multi-Agency Investigation Dismantles Illegal Massage Business Enterprise
Inspector Markus Rivera shared details of a long-term, multi-agency investigation that resulted in the indictment of 10 individuals accused of operating a large-scale prostitution and illegal massage business enterprise. The investigation involved the Suffolk County Police Department Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, 2nd Precinct Crime Section, Financial Crimes Unit, New York State Police, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Ordinance Enforcement.
Police allege the enterprise generated more than $1 million in illicit proceeds through prostitution, unlicensed massage services and money laundering.
Search warrants were executed at four locations, three of which were in the Town of Huntington:
Long Island Green Apple Spa – 146 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station
Lavender Spa – 811 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station
Huntington Spa NY – 340 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington
192 Spa – Northern Boulevard, Flushing
Investigators recovered evidence that included cash and gold bars during the execution of the search warrants.
Inspector Rivera said the investigation, including the human trafficking component of the case, remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, submit an anonymous tip through www.p3tips.com, or use the P3 Tips mobile app.
State Liquor Authority (SLA) Enforcement
J.T. Carrington’s, Huntington – Following numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police worked with the New York State Liquor Authority and Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Ordinance Enforcement officials to conduct an inspection at J.T. Carrington’s. The inspection resulted in multiple violations, and the business now faces administrative action through the New York State Liquor Authority.
Underage Vape Compliance Checks
The 2nd Precinct Crime Section partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services to conduct underage vape compliance checks at businesses throughout the precinct. Two businesses were found to be selling vape products to underage individuals:
Village Tobacco & Convenience, Huntington Station – Charged with unlawful sale of vape products to a person under 21.
Smokey Island Smoke Shop, Huntington Station – Charged with unlawful sale of vape products to a person under 21.
Police said the compliance operation is part of an ongoing effort to reduce youth access to vaping products and ensure businesses comply with New York State law.
Traffic Enforcement
The Suffolk Intensified Traffic Enforcement (S.I.T.E.) Team conducted enforcement throughout the 2nd Precinct during June, issuing 80 summonses, including 76 moving violations and 4 non-moving violations.
Enforcement locations included Vanderbilt Parkway, Spring Road, West Hills Road, East Jericho Turnpike, Route 231 and Pulaski Road.
Domestic Incidents
Police responded to 208 domestic incidents during June, including 79 criminal incidents and 129 non-criminal incidents. Officers made 34 arrests related to domestic incidents.
Police also reported one non-fatal overdose during the month. Patrol officers administered two doses of Narcan, successfully reviving the individual.
ShotSpotter Activations
Police reported one ShotSpotter activation during June, which resulted in negative findings by responding officers.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety and Enforcement
Inspector Markus Rivera reminded residents that complaints involving e-bikes and e-scooters continue throughout the 2nd Precinct and reviewed Suffolk County laws designed to improve safety for riders, pedestrians and motorists.
Police reinforced key laws:
- Helmets are required for all riders.
- Riders must be at least 16 years old.
- E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks.
- E-bikes and e-scooters may not be operated on roads with speed limits greater than 30 mph.
Inspector Rivera emphasized that enforcement is focused on education, injury prevention and keeping everyone safe on local roadways.
Scam and Crime Prevention
Inspector Markus Rivera reminded residents that scammers continue to target people of all ages using phone calls, text messages, emails and social media. He encouraged residents to slow down, verify requests independently and never allow a sense of urgency to influence financial decisions.
Police shared several important reminders:
- Never share personal, banking or password information with unsolicited callers.
- Caller ID can be spoofed and should not be relied upon to verify someone’s identity.
- Never wire money or purchase gift cards to pay someone claiming to represent a government agency, business or family member.
- Never deposit checks from someone you don’t know.
- Be cautious of callers claiming to be law enforcement requesting bail money or individuals posing as your bank’s fraud department.
Residents were encouraged to contact police immediately if they believe they have been targeted by a scam.
Check Washing and Identity Theft
Police also reminded residents that check washing and identity theft continue to affect communities across Suffolk County.
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, police recommend:
- Mail checks from inside a U.S. Post Office whenever possible.
- Use black permanent ink when writing checks.
- Do not leave outgoing mail in residential mailboxes overnight.
- Monitor bank accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Anyone who becomes a victim of identity theft should immediately contact their financial institution, file a police report and notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if mail theft is involved.
Please consult the meeting slides for additional crime prevention tips and resources.
Upcoming Events
The Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct continues to partner with local organizations through several community outreach initiatives this summer.
The annual Backpack Drive is collecting new school supplies for local students through July 10. Donations of backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, markers and other classroom essentials may be dropped off at the 2nd Precinct headquarters.
Throughout the month of July, the precinct is also participating in the Book Fairies Book Drive, collecting new and gently used books for readers of all ages. Donations may be dropped off at any Suffolk County Police precinct.
National Night Out
There will be no August Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct Community Meeting as officers prepare for National Night Out, a nationwide event that strengthens partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Residents are invited to join Suffolk County Police, the Town of Huntington and numerous community organizations for an afternoon of family-friendly activities.
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Manor Field Park
110 East 5th Street, Huntington Station
The event will feature basketball and soccer tournaments, music, food, bounce houses, an obstacle course, the spray park, raffles, giveaways, community organizations and opportunities to meet your local police officers in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Next Community Meeting
The next Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct Community Meeting will be held on:
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Harborfields Public Library
31 Broadway, Greenlawn
Watch the Full Video and Resident Q&A
This article highlights the key information presented at the meeting, but the full video and slides include additional details, explanations, and the full resident Q&A section.
Watch the video to hear directly from police leadership and residents about the issues impacting your neighborhood.
🚓 CONTACT SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT:
2ND Precinct COPE: (631) 854-8250
Community Liaison Officer: (631) 854-8253
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-220-TIPS
Non-Emergency: (631) 852-COPS
Website: https://suffolkpd.org/
Instagram: @scpd2ndprecinct
Twitter: @SCPD2ndPrecinct
🚘 Thank you to Empire Automotive Group based in Huntington, NY for sponsoring our coverage of this month’s meeting. Visit them at: https://www.shopempireauto.com/
🚨 TO SUBMIT A TIP of suspicious activity, or information related to a crime, call 631-852-COPS or 1-800-220-TIPS (Crime Stoppers), submit an anonymous tip at www.p3tips.com, or use the P3 Tips mobile app. If you need additional anonymity, send your tip to Huntington Matters through our Facebook or Instagram pages or email info@huntingtonmatters.com.
🎉 What’s happening around town? Visit HuntingtonMatters.com to explore our Community Calendar, read The Common Thread, and discover local businesses and organizations in our Directory.
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👍 Non-residents can follow the Huntington Matters Facebook Page for local news and community updates.
📺 Huntington Matters has been your Neighborhood Watch since 2014. Watch full Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct community meeting coverage on our YouTube channel.
Photography by Diane Schaber. Videography by June Margolin. Video Editing by Dana E. Richter.
