Police: Central Islip man shot while taking out trash

A man was shot in the legs early Tuesday in Central Islip as he took out the trash, police said.

Santos Romero, 37, of Maple Place, suffered what Suffolk County police called "multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his legs" and was taken to Southside Hospital, where he was admitted in serious condition.

The shooting occurred at 12:20 a.m. Police would not say if Romero was targeted in the attack or was an unintended victim. He told police he had just taken out his garbage when he heard a gunshot and realized he had been shot in the right leg. He told police he then was shot several more times.

Police could not immediately say how many bullets struck Romero, but said it was believed to be at least three and possibly four or more.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing Tuesday.