Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a shooting involving an off-duty New York Police Department officer that occurred at a bar in Miller Place this morning.  

An altercation took place between a group of men leaving Napper Tandy’s Pub and another group who were in the parking lot at approximately 1:05 a.m.  The off duty N.Y.P.D. officer drew his 9mm service weapon and shot Atiba Watkins, 23, of 475 St. John’s St., Central Islip, once in the torso.  Witnesses said Watkins brandished a knife at the time he was shot.  A knife was recovered at the scene.  

Watkins was transported by ambulance to Stony Brook University Medical Center where he was listed in critical but stable condition for treatment of his wound.   

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has been contacted and the investigation is ongoing.   

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.