By Anthony Rifilato
Police said an officer on patrol heard the gunshot at around 4:06 a.m. on May 24 and responded immediately, only to see witnesses disperse and run away. But the 26-year-old victim, who police said tried to hobble away, couldn't make it far.
"The victim there was very uncooperative," said First Precinct Det. Lt. Andrew Fal. "We have not gotten a square account from everyone."
The victim, who Fal said initially refused treatment, was convinced by police to receive medical attention. He was taken to Nassau University Medical Center and has since been released.
Though Fal said the case is still being investigated, police suspect that the shooting involved Cousins patrons and that an altercation had originated in the bar. "It seems that the incident happened at closing," said Fal.
Fal and Cousins management said they believe that at closing time, a group of people refused to leave and became irate when bouncers began to escort people out of the club. The bar's front window was shattered shortly afterward, though police said they have not determined if those who damaged the window were involved with the shooting. The window has since been replaced.
"Apparently, everyone became disgruntled that [the bar] closed," said Fal.
Last week's shooting follows two incidents in March and April, making this the third shooting in three months near the West Grand Avenue bar. In March, a man was shot in the leg after a brawl outside Cousins. In April, a Freeport man was shot in the face after an altercation in the parking lot behind 2412 West Grand Ave.
Fal said the April shooting is still under investigation, but he remains hopeful that an arrest may soon be made. In that case, police said, witnesses did not come forward with information.
For his part, Cousins owner Frank Wilson, a 30-year-old Wyandanch resident who was away during last week's incident, said he hasn't had an easy time since he took over the former Jordan's earlier this year. He said that while one minor fight has happened inside his club as well as the first two serious incidents outside, he is trying to keep out belligerent club-goers. He explained that he has been aggressively screening people at the door, which can anger those who don't get in or are forced to leave.
"A lot of times, people get upset," Wilson said, adding that he doesn't want Cousins to become a haven for gang members or rowdy people. "We turn a lot of people away."
Running a club is made more difficult when incidents happen outside, which Wilson said is out of his control, though he said he is taking steps to keep situations from sparking at Cousins. After the shooting in March, which he said occurred during a private birthday party for a customer who had rented the premises, Cousins raised its minimum age to 25, and 30 on Sundays. Wilson also said he has more security guards working, is hiring better promoters to attract a different crowd, and wants to work with the police department in order to avoid further incidents.
"I want people to come in and have a good time. I want a mixed crowd," said Wilson, who added that he doesn't want Cousins to be shut down. "I want to be there for a long time."
Asked about the recurring shootings at the municipal lot, Fal said there have been more patrols in the area and that Cousins has been reported to the state liquor authority. Also, Fal said, police inspectors have made routine inspections for occupancy limits and underage drinking, but said no violations were registered.
Police are urging anyone with information on the shootings to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
