Investigators with New York State Police and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations now believe Sunday morning's shooting in a parking lot in Wallkill may have stemmed from an argument that began inside a local bar.
Surveillance video from a nearby business shows what appears to be several people brawling in front of a strip mall on Route 211 early Sunday morning just before someone was shot in the parking lot at 3:20 a.m.
Officials with State Police said they believe an argument between two parties inside JD's Sports Bar escalated to a fight with about 15 people just outside of the bar. Shortly after that, shots were fired.
Police said they found the male victim laying about a hundred feet away from where the brawl happened, and that the victim had been shot multiple times.
Officials with the New York State Liquor Authority said on Monday afternoon that they have begun a standard investigation into the actions of bar management to determine if any action should be taken against the bar.
They said bar owners are responsible -- to an extent -- for what happens in and around their bars. They also said this is the first time they have had to investigate JD's Sports Bar since its liquor license was issued in November 2016.
An employee of the bar, who would not speak on camera, said the bar had nothing to do with what that employee called a "personal dispute," and that the bar is remaining open. A State Liquor Authority spokesperson said their investigation does not require a temporary closure of the business, but that they are in close contact with State Police, who are conducting the criminal investigation.
State Police said the victim is in critical condition at Orange Regional Medical Center. His name has not been released.
It is also unclear whether police are searching for just one suspect or multiple suspects. BCI Investigators at the scene Monday afternoon said witnesses in this case have not been cooperative, which is partly why they are asking the public for tips.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the New York State Police Middletown post at 845-344-5300. Police said all tips will remain confidential.