Police: Long Island Man Upset Over School Landscaping Fires Gunshots Off Near Students Athletes

ROOSEVELT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Police say a man is in custody after shots were fired at a high school and middle school with students outside for sports practice on Long Island.

Police say the situation began with an argument over landscaping around 9 a.m. Tuesday outside Roosevelt Middle School, reports CBS2's Reena Roy.

"Cop cars, everything, SWAT teams and all types of stuff," said witness Jamice Lattimore, a sophomore at Roosevelt High School. "All I heard was gunshots, they were just back to back to back to back."

"I was in guidance counselor's office and someone said the school (is) on lockdown and no one allowed in or out, and some teachers were saying helicopters around looking for people," said sophomore Caitlin James.

Student athletes were outside practicing when three bullets hit the ground.

"It was crazy because it was real, like anybody could've gotten hit with that," said Lattimore.

Investigators say after the shooting near the football field, the suspect then barricaded himself inside a house near East Clinton and Denton avenues.

One man was eventually taken into custody. Police say he is a homeowner who lives next to the school with his brother, an older woman and a 6-year-old child.

Roosevelt's middle and high schools were temporarily placed on lockdown. Although school is not yet in session, 140 staff members and students were inside buildings.

No injuries were reported.

"It has to do believe it or not with some landscaping issues, about some trees that have fallen over into the property," said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

On Tuesday afternoon, the school district issued the following statement: "Earlier today, Roosevelt Middle School and Roosevelt High School initiated a lockdown as an immediate response to an incident that occurred in the area. Upon learning of the incident, the District immediately contacted local law enforcement. Everyone remained safe and secure during the lockdown, which has since been lifted.

"We thank law enforcement for their investigative efforts and the high school and middle school administration for acting so swiftly. The safety of our students, staff, and community is the Roosevelt School District's foremost priority."

The suspect and the others in his home were all taken into custody. The alleged shooter is expected to face a judge on Wednesday.