Man Charged With Firing Gun At Homes, Cars In Deer Park

DEER PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island man stood accused Tuesday of firing a gun – hitting homes and cars in a quiet Suffolk County neighborhood.

As CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported, Deer Park residents were breathing a sigh of relief after police arrested Cameron Cincotta, 25, on charges of criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

"I was swimming at the pool last night and the guys were still talking about it still," one man said. He said neighbors were saying "just how terrible it is -- this is a safe neighborhood."

The man, who lives on Oakland Avenue, found two bullet holes in the front siding of his home.

"I don't know what kind of people would do something like that," he said. "It's animal behavior."

Police said they do not know what motivated Cincotta to randomly shoot at least three homes on Oakland and Fairview avenues, as well as three cars.

The owner of one of the cars spoke to CBS2, but asked not to be identified. He was glad a suspect had been apprehended.

"Police did a good job here," the Mercedes owner said. "I got to give them credit."

Police said surveillance video led them to a suspicious car, which was owned by Cincotta's father.

Police discovered the owner of the suspect car owned a .45-caliber pistol, which was consistent with ballistic evidence at one of the crime scenes. Investigators said they concluded the likely suspect was the gun owner's son.

Police said Cincotta went on to confess, to the relief of terrified neighbors.

"He's in jail," said Joseph Nellany. "He belongs where he is."

All the homes that were struck by bullets were occupied at the time, but thankfully, no one inside was hurt.