SMITHTOWN, N.Y. — A 24-year-old man faces felony weapons charges after prosecutors say he possessed a loaded handgun inside a vehicle parked in a restricted area of Nissequogue State Park.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Miguel Enrique Astudillo Ruiz was indicted on multiple counts, including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, following the April 4 incident.
Park ranger discovery leads to investigation
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Smithtown park rangers encountered a vehicle around 2:00 p.m. parked near an abandoned building within a restricted section of the park, formerly part of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center.
While investigating, a ranger allegedly spotted expended shell casings in a cupholder inside the vehicle. Authorities say Astudillo Ruiz was nearby at the time, collecting scrap metal from the building.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun equipped with a magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds.
Fingerprint evidence links suspect, prosecutors say
Investigators with the Suffolk County Police Department lifted a latent fingerprint from the magazine inside the firearm. A forensic comparison later matched the print to Astudillo Ruiz, according to prosecutors.
The indictment charges him with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony, along with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.
—
Key Points
• 24-year-old indicted after loaded handgun found in vehicle at state park
• Park ranger reported seeing shell casings inside car in restricted area
• Prosecutors say fingerprint evidence links suspect to weapon
—
Court proceedings and potential penalties
Astudillo Ruiz was arraigned April 17 before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, who set bail at $50,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond.
If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
He is currently represented by the Legal Aid Society and is scheduled to return to court on May 7.
Immigration detainer filed
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against Astudillo Ruiz, according to the district attorney’s office, which could lead to deportation proceedings following the conclusion of the criminal case.
Ongoing prosecution
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sean Lorthioir of the Major Crime Bureau, with the investigation led by Detective Marissa Demeo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.
Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The case remains pending as Astudillo Ruiz awaits his next court appearance.