Gun Scare At Splish Splash

After a weekend of random shootings security was tight at most public places over the weekend.

Splish Splash Water Park in Calverton was no exception. On Sunday, September 1, at about 12:30 PM, the scrutiny paid dividends. A man entering the park was stopped for a routine check. A security guard spotted a handgun in the man’s backpack.

The subject took his bag and attempted to leave the premises, but his gait quickened when he realized security personnel were coming after him. Splish Splash security followed and contacted 911.

“The subject fled from park security and ran through the parking lot northbound jumping over a fence and crossing over Middle Country Rd with the backpack. Numerous officers responded to the scene and set up a perimeter,” according to a press release from the Riverhead Town police.

The Riverhead K9 unit, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Suffolk County police aviation unit all responded to assist in the hunt. At approximately 2 PM the subject, exhausted, gave up.

Shemari McKenzie, a 21-year-old male from Laurelton, still had the weapon, and, as it turned out, it was an imitation Glock handgun that was actually a BB gun. McKenzie was arrested and charged with obstructing governmental authority, a Class A misdemeanor. He was still in custody as of press time.