By Hank Russell
A Salvadoran national was indicted for allegedly possessing a loaded firearm in his vehicle at Nissequogue State Park in Smithtown.
On April 4 at approximately 2:00 p.m., Smithtown Park Rangers observed a vehicle parked outside an abandoned building in a restricted area of Nissequogue State Park, which was previously the Kings Park Psychiatric Center.
Sergeant Brendan Dennihy observed Miguel Enrique Astudillo Ruiz allegedly signaling to two additional males while loading scrap metal into the vehicle. Upon approach, the sergeant noted tools commonly used for removing metal, along with scrap materials already inside the car. Recognizing the suspicious circumstances, Dennihy requested backup units while attempting to identify the individuals involved.
Responding to the scene were Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy, Park Rangers Michael Abbazia, Leyland Crocilla and Fire Marshal Matthew Lauri, who assisted in the investigation. During the interaction, Dennihy observed spent shell casings in the vehicle’s center console.
During further investigation, officers observed and recovered a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun which was seen protruding from beneath the passenger seat. He also allegedly had a magazine capable of holding more than 10 cartridges. Astudillo Ruiz was immediately taken into custody without incident and transported to the Suffolk County Fourth Precinct, where he was processed by Fourth Squad Detectives.
Fingerprint comparison by the Suffolk County Police Department later determined that the print allegedly matched that of the defendant.
“This arrest highlights the exceptional instincts and professionalism that our officers bring to the job every single day,” said the town’s public safety director, Chief Thomas Lohmann. “All of our officers demonstrated exactly what proactive policing should look like — situational awareness, knowledge of their sector, observation, sound judgment, and the ability to quickly assess and address a potentially dangerous situation. Just as importantly, their calm, measured approach and effective de-escalation tactics ensured that this incident was resolved safely and without injury.”
On April 17, Astudillo Ruiz, 24, was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins for the following charges:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony
“This defendant allegedly possessed a loaded firearm in a state park, putting law-abiding families and other park visitors at serious risk,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “We cannot allow our communities to be endangered by those who show such disregard for our laws and our safety. My office will continue pushing for policies that prioritize the protection of Suffolk County residents and the integrity of our laws.”
Collins ordered Astudillo Ruiz held on $50,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Astudillo Ruiz is due back in court on May 7 and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“This is a strong example of proactive policing in action,” Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. “Through keen observation and coordinated response, our officers were able to identify suspicious activity and remove an illegal firearm from a public space, helping to ensure the continued safety of our parks and the residents who enjoy them. The Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail is a highly frequented destination for walkers, bicyclists, and families who spend their days exercising and enjoying the scenic, tranquil surroundings — making this type of vigilance all the more critical.”
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has lodged a detainer to deport Astudillo Ruiz following this prosecution.