Riverhead Town Police are seeking information regarding an assault that occurred last night in the area of Osborn Avenue.
Police were called by Peconic Bay Medical Center emergency room staff at 10:39 p.m. last night to report they were treating a victim of violence.
A 52-year-old Hispanic man had been brought to the ER by an unknown woman who told staff she had found him lying on the side of the road on Osborn Avenue. She left the hospital after dropping the victim off with staff.
Police said the victim, who was intoxicated, told police while he was walking he was grabbed from behind by two white males, who threw him to the ground, kicked him in the head and walked off without taking anything.
The victim told police was leaving a deli in the area of Osborn Avenue when the attack occurred, according to the police report. The report did not identify the deli or the exact location at which the victim was discovered.
He was treated for facial lacerations at the hospital, police said.
The man is the eighth assault victim in the downtown area this year. In all but two instances the victim has been a Hispanic male, walking alone. In every other reported assault the assailants were reportedly black males. In some cases, sticks or other objects were used to beat victims, according to police reports. In several instances, the attackers robbed the victims.
Riverhead officials in April said they were worried about a “pattern” of attacks, which had all occurred near the railroad tracks. Poice subsequently attended the Spanish Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church to provide the Spanish-speaking population with safety information. Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said local police are coordinating enforcement efforts with state troopers. There have been at least three other assaults in the same vicinity reported since then, including the one last night. The other two victims were not Hispanic.
Police area asking any witnesses or anyone who may have information about the incident to contact police at 631-727-4500 ext. 313.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
