A former U.S. amateur heavyweight boxing champion was shot in the chest and critically injured during a confrontation at a suburban shopping center, according to the Suffolk County Police.
Adam Willett, 28, was shot once about 5 p.m. Wednesday while on the parking lot of the Miracle Plaza Shopping Center in North Bellport. Police say the shooter rifled through Willett’s pockets before firing off one round.
Willett was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.
Thursday, police were looking for the shooter.
Newsday first reported the shooting.
Willett’s former coach, Mike Murphy of the Veteran’s Memorial Boxing Club in nearby Shirley, said Willett worked as a security guard at a nearby high school. Two students in the parking lot of the shopping center were being harassed by a few men and, recognizing Willett from school, the students called out to him for help. Murphy said Willett went over to help them.
“He’s a good guy. He would’ve helped anyone who needed it,” Murphy said.
Willett and one man argued before the man sped away in his car, then drove back as Willett was getting into his vehicle, Murphy said. When Willett got out, he was shot. The gunman fled the scene.
Murphy said Willett started at his gym in 2001 and was almost an immediate success.
He became the U.S. amateur champion in 2006. He was an alternate on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in Beijing after losing in the trials.
“He’s a tough kid. He knows how to fight his way out of tragedy,” Murphy said.