Brentwood community frustrated over violent crimes

Residents, business owners, community leaders and politicians in Brentwood are shaking their heads in frustration when they add up the numbers.

A sense of helplessness, fueled by fear and frequent news of escalating violence, is taking hold in the area as residents learn of more shootings and victims as they search for hope and a restored sense of security.

"It's not safe here," said Vincent Blas, 18, who spoke near the scene of the latest fatal shooting, on Timberline Drive, which claimed the life of a Brentwood man.

Others said more law enforcement would help.

"The police department has to be more in the area," said Santiago Reyes, owner of Comalapa Restaurant near the crime scene. "Why aren't there more police out there?"

Reyes, 53, added that more police patrols would discourage violence.

James Brennesholtz arrived home Wednesday night and found a note from his 22-year-old son that said one of the shooting victims was a friend of his.

"It's kind of getting scary to be here, but it's my home and my son's grown up here," Brennesholtz said. Another longtime resident, who didn't want to be identified, said she saw a helicopter hovering overhead at about 9:30 Wednesday night and the flashing lights of police cars - but she did not go outside.

She lamented the decline of the area. "I don't go outside," she said, "because you never know."

Sending more police is exactly what Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer has said he will do to restore calm.

He also said that surveillance cameras were being installed and that the Gang Suppression Team was dispatched to the area. "We've stepped up patrols there starting tonight," Dormer said. "We're going to continue that indefinitely and let the community know that we're trying to make it safe for them."

David Sandler, 20, was killed in the 8:15 p.m. shooting. Aaron Galan, 20, also of Brentwood, remained in critical condition.

For Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, the shooting "underscores how vicious gangs are and how vital it is to get them off our streets."

Assemb. Philip Ramos (D-Brentwood) joined others calling for patrols, saying police have scaled back protection.

"I think residents are getting fed up with the rising crime," Ramos said. "We're being told crime is going down, but in my district we have had so many shootings recently and the lack of police presence is noticeable."

With Sophia Chang, Matthew Chayes and Andrew Strickler