Suffolk County police are searching for the person they said killed a man during a fight outside a home in East Patchogue early yesterday morning.

"We feel like we're not safe," neighbor Muhammad Zulfiquar said. "This area feels dangerous."

Fifth Precinct officers responded to a report of a fight outside 517 Taylor Ave. around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday. It's unclear how many people were involved or what sparked the altercation.

Investigators said someone struck Carlos Bonaparte, 44, with an unknown object in the head during the fight. Someone took the Bellport man to NYU Langone in Patchogue, where he died.

Anthony Clinton knew the victim, and said the incident started as a small dispute that got out of control.

"That was uncalled for," Clinton said. "It was a small situation that turned into something really big. That shouldn't have happened."

News 12 is working to learn more about the victim and possible suspects, including who they are and why they were at the address. We reached out to police for these answers but were told they "are not releasing any additional details at this time."

"He was a good brother," Clinton said. "He didn't deserve that."

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Squad at (631) 852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.