Salvadoran National Indicted After Loaded Gun Found in Car at LI State Park

Prosecutors say the suspect was collecting scrap metal when park rangers discovered shell casings and a loaded 9mm handgun in his vehicle.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a loaded 9mm handgun magazine, the metal and plastic details sharply illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the serious threat posed by the discovery of the weapon in a public park setting.The discovery of a loaded firearm in a state park has sparked renewed concerns over public safety and gun violence prevention.Nissequogue Today

A 24-year-old Salvadoran national named Miguel Enrique Astudillo Ruiz has been indicted after prosecutors said a loaded 9mm handgun and high-capacity magazine were found in his vehicle parked in a restricted area of Nissequogue State Park in Smithtown, New York. Park rangers initially spotted the vehicle and discovered expended shell casings before the search revealed the firearm.

Why it matters

The discovery of the loaded weapon in a public state park has raised concerns about public safety and the potential risks to families and other visitors. Prosecutors have emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of local communities and the enforcement of laws.

The details

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, park rangers spotted Astudillo Ruiz's vehicle parked in a restricted section of Nissequogue State Park that was formerly part of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center property. During the investigation, rangers found expended shell casings in the cupholder between the driver and passenger seats. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun and a high-capacity magazine. Authorities also recovered a latent fingerprint from the magazine that matched Astudillo Ruiz.

  • On April 4, 2026, park rangers spotted the vehicle parked in a restricted area of Nissequogue State Park around 2 p.m.
  • Astudillo Ruiz was arraigned on April 17, 2026 before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John Collins.
  • Astudillo Ruiz is due back in court on May 7, 2026.

The players

Miguel Enrique Astudillo Ruiz

A 24-year-old Salvadoran national who was indicted on charges of second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm after the loaded handgun was found in his vehicle.

Ray Tierney

The Suffolk County District Attorney who announced the indictment against Astudillo Ruiz.

John Collins

The Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice who arraigned Astudillo Ruiz and ordered him held on $50,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond.

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What they’re saying

“This defendant allegedly possessed a loaded firearm in a state park, putting law-abiding families and other park visitors at serious risk. We cannot allow our communities to be endangered by those who show such disregard for our laws and our safety. My office will continue pushing for policies that prioritize the protection of Suffolk County residents and the integrity of our laws.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on May 7 whether or not to allow Miguel Enrique Astudillo Ruiz to be released on bail while the criminal case is pending. Federal immigration authorities have also lodged a detainer seeking to deport Astudillo Ruiz after the criminal case is resolved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public safety, gun violence prevention, and immigration enforcement in local communities. The discovery of the loaded weapon in a public state park has raised concerns about the potential risks to families and other visitors, prompting prosecutors to emphasize the need for stricter policies and greater vigilance in protecting Suffolk County residents.