Former Priest, 87, In Critical Condition After Burglary: Update

SHELTER ISLAND, NY — An 87-year-old retired priest was left in critical condition after a burglary at his home on Shelter Island, police said — and according to multiple reports, he was was "restrained" and left for an extended period of tie.

At a press conference in Yaphank Tuesday, Acting Suffolk County Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron said retired Episcopalian Rev. Canon Paul Wancura, 87, was supposed to assist with a mass at the Church of the Messiah in Central Islip and "didn't show up."

The Diocese reached out to a local pastor on Shelter Island to check on his welfare and when he arrived around noon on Monday, "he heard noises through the open garage door," Cameron said.

Shelter Island Police officers responded to the residence Oak Tree Lane at approximately 12:40 p.m. Monday, police said.

Wancura, who was injured, was transported by Suffolk County Aviation in critical condition, requiring surgery; he may also require an additional surgery.

The priest was believed to have been "restrained for an extended period of time. He was found between his bed and the wall," Cameron said.

"I'm asking everyone to pray for his welfare," Cameron said. "He's in poor condition."

Suffolk County Police announced a $10,000 fast cash Crime Stoppers Reward; anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-220-TIPS.

"We do not believe this is a random incident," Cameron said. "We believe he was specifically targeted."

Shelter Island is a safe area, he added. "That's one reason this is so shocking," Cameron said. "But we don't believe this is a random attack and we don't believe it is affecting the safety of other residents of Shelter Island."

There is no description of a suspect, Cameron said, but police believe the motive was a burglary. Police, however, could not detail what, if anything, had been stolen.

When asked if there was anything in Wancura's life that might have led to the targeted burglary, Cameron said he was an "honorable man" and there was no indication otherwise.

Bishop Larry Provenzano of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island told News 12 that Wancura was barely conscious when found.

Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services responded and the victim was transported by Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident, police said.

Major case section detectives, in cooperation with the Shelter Island Police Department, are actively investigating the circumstances of the incident and are seeking the public’s help for any information that can lead to the identification of the suspect or suspects, police said.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.