Freeport man charged with attempted murder in shooting, Nassau police say

A Freeport man was held without bail Thursday after his arrest for allegedly firing two shots at another man last month during a street dispute that turned violent, Nassau County police said.

The Nassau County District Attorney's Office and police identified the suspect as Lenny Taveras, 26. Police said he was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree criminal use of a firearm and third-degree criminal mischief.

Taveras was remanded without bail during his appearance in First District Court in Hempstead Thursday, according to court records. A temporary order of protection was issued for the victim and against Taveras, records said.

Taveras' attorney, Christopher Bechtle, who is based in Garden City, could not be reached for comment Thursday night. 

Police said that at around 3 p.m. on March 25 Taveras became involved in "a verbal argument" with a 27-year-old man in front of a residence on Bedell Street in Freeport. During the argument, Taveras pulled out a handgun and fired two rounds at the victim before fleeing, according to police. The victim, who was not struck, identified Taveras as the shooter, police said.

Police said Taveras was located and arrested at a home in Selden Wednesday about 4:40 p.m.

CORRECTION: Lenny Taveras' last name was misspelled in a previous version of this story due to incorrect information provided by police.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”