Cops: Freeport Man, Nathaniel Paulino, 20, Charged in Shooting Incident; Had Loaded .22 Caliber Revolver

LONG ISLAND, NY – Nassau County Police have arrested a Freeport man for Reckless Endangerment and other charges from an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at 6:45 P.M. in West Hempstead.

According to detectives, Fifth Precinct officers responded to Echo Park Pool, located at 399 Nassau Boulevard, for shots fired. Upon arrival they stopped a vehicle in the parking lot and identified Nathaniel Paulino, 20, of Freeport as the suspect who had fired the gun.

Nathaniel Paulino, 20, of Freeport was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm 2nd degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

A loaded Ruger model Single .22 caliber revolver was recovered at the scene. Several shots were fired, one striking a vehicle breaking the rear windshield. There were numerous people in the parking lot, including children, at the time of the shooting. No injuries were reported.

Paulino is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm 2nd degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He is scheduled to be arraigned today,  Monday, July 20, 2015 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.