Shooting Arrest

A North Babylon man was arrested and charged with second degree attempted murder and second degree assault last week after he allegedly shot two men outside a bar in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County Police have reported.

The shootings took place at approximately 4 a.m. on the morning after Christmas. The suspect, Richard Berry, 29, allegedly shot Roger Smith, 26, of Central Islip, and Jason Townsend, 26, of Bayshore.

The incident occurred after Smith became involved in an argument with Berry, outside Market Square Pub on Route 110 and Sherwood Avenue, according to police. Berry pulled out a handgun and shot Smith twice, striking him in the chest and stomach. Townsend was struck in the right calf with a third bullet, police said.

Berry fled the scene in his car, and was seen by Police Officers John Sheridan and John Becker, who were driving northbound on New Highway, responding to the call of "shots fired" at the bar, police said. When the two officers saw the suspect's vehicle heading southbound at a high speed, they made a U-turn and began to pursue him, according to police. Berry, seeing the police car turn behind him, lost control of his car and crashed into a fence, police said. The officers then took him into custody.

Smith was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of two bullet wounds, one to his chest, and one to his abdomen. His condition, as of last week, was listed as guarded. Townsend was taken to Brunswick Hospital in Amityville for treatment of a bullet wound to his right calf.