Suffolk Police Release New Surveillance Video From Oheka Castle Shooting

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Suffolk County police released surveillance video Thursday from the 2014 shooting of Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius in an effort to boost investigative efforts.

The video shows Melius, a real estate developer and political power broker, walking across the parking lot of the renowned catering hall in Huntington and getting into his car on Feb. 24, 2014.

A masked gunman in a hooded sweatshirt can then be seen sneaking up to Melius' Mercedes Benz.

The gunman fired a shot into the driver's side window.

"This was an individual who was lying in wait and was able to shoot the victim in the face," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini said.

Melius was shot in the head and hospitalized for more than a week. The kickback from the shot caused the gun to malfunction and likely saved his life. 

Sini is hopeful the video going public will help identify a suspect, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

"We hope that someone sees something in this video that could assist law enforcement. It's very important that the public call 1-800-220-TIPS," Sini said.

CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reports the suspect's vehicle is a 2006 khaki metal-colored baseline Jeep Grand Cherokee, with five spoke rims and a thin black body molding stripe.

"We want people to take a hard look at this video. It's in the interest of justice," Sini said. "There is a dangerous person out there. We want to bring him to justice."

CBS2 reports motive and suspects have been the subject of much speculation, ranging from political foes, a relative, or even business rivals.

Sini explained why police waited until now to release the video.

"We have to start doing things a little bit differently in this investigation to move it along. That's not to second guess anyone, but listen, we don't have anyone in handcuffs and that's not acceptable," Sini said.

Melius said in a statement he is hoping this surveillance video will lead to the apprehension of the gunman.

"I am glad police have finally decided to release the surveillance video to the public. Hopefully, it will prompt anyone who has information to come forward and shed new light into the investigation," Melius said, adding that "recovering from being shot in the head was easier than dealing with the personal attacks."

On Wednesday, Sini asked the FBI to assist in the investigation, saying the federal agency would provide certain resources and technology not available to local departments.

Investigators have previously released video of a Jeep that drove off from the scene, suspected to be the gunman's getaway vehicle.

Last year, Melius' friends and family increased a reward to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.