Man dies after shooting in Hempstead

A Freeport man died at Nassau University Medical Center early Tuesday, about two hours after he was shot multiple times in the parking lot behind a Hempstead bar, Nassau County police said.

Lawrence Hartman, 28, was pronounced dead at the East Meadow hospital just after 2 a.m., police said. Officers found Hartman outside Rumba Sky on North Franklin Street after they received a 911 call reporting the shooting about 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

The shooting began with an argument in the parking lot, police said. A fight broke out and then gunfire scattered a large crowd gathered for a hip-hop concert and rap battle that was later canceled, police said.

"Our victim is found in the parking lot with gunshot wounds," Det. Sgt. John DeMartinis said. "We're looking at who shot him, how he was shot, why he was shot."

The parking lot was the scene of a another shooting on April 17, 2010. Three people were shot in that case, which began with a dispute inside the club and then spilled outside. One victim was shot in the stomach and two others suffered arm wounds.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.