Great Neck shop owner shot in torso stable

A Great Neck shop owner who took a gunshot to his torso inside his business Wednesday morning was listed in stable condition last night at an unnamed Nassau County hospital after undergoing surgery, police said.

The shooter walked into Blessed Sound & Security, 151 Northern Blvd., shortly after 8:30 a.m., "confronted the owner and shot him in the torso," said Det. Lt. Keechant Sewell, commander of the Nassau Police Sixth Squad.

Police said the victim, 39, whom they declined to name, was working in the shop before the shooting.

Police said earlier the injuries did not appear life-threatening.

"It is uncertain whether this was targeted or an attempted robbery," Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said.

Officers and two helicopters were searching for the suspect, who was said to be wearing dark clothing. Police said the suspect fled east on foot.

A man who works at a body shop next door to the scene of the shooting said he saw the gunshot victim collapse outside the store.

"I just saw the man down on his knees holding his stomach," said the worker, who did not want to give his last name and asked to be identified only as William. "He didn't say anything. He just said, 'Close the door for me.' "

The witness said he did not hear any gunshots.

Smith said police were "not sure whether there was any kind of exchange" between the shooter and the victim, who was alone in the store.

Police said the investigation is continuing.

With Bill Mason