Elmont, NY – A 62-year-old Elmont man has been arrested and is facing multiple gun-related charges after allegedly firing shots at individuals he believed were tampering with his car early Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when David Leary noticed several people near his vehicle in his driveway. Out of fear, he discharged his firearm, striking two vehicles, a garbage can, and a fence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Wife Speaks Out: “He Was Just Trying to Scare Them Away”
Leary’s wife, Joyce Leary, defended his actions in an exclusive interview with News 12, stating that her husband acted out of fear and past trauma.
“He didn’t try to hurt anybody. He was just trying to scare them away,” she explained. “Our cars were stolen a year ago, and he panicked when he saw what he thought were six people in the driveway.”
Police Response & Charges
Authorities arrested David Leary at the scene. He has been charged with reckless endangerment and multiple firearm-related offenses. He is currently being held in jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
