Another man attacked on the streets in Riverhead
A 51-year-old Hispanic man was attacked from behind and kicked by two suspects who then ran off Sunday night, leaving the victim lying on the side of Osborn Avenue in Riverhead, police said.
A woman who saw the victim took him to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment, and police were alerted of the attack about 10:40 p.m.
This marks the eighth assault or robbery in recent months in Riverhead.
It follows another attack last Sunday night, when a 49-year-old man was beaten and robbed on Railroad Avenue. Police only learned of the attack five hours later, when they also received a call from Peconic Bay Medical Center, officials said.
Supervisor Sean Walter and Police Chief David Hegermiller later announced plans for a joint task force with local and state police to try to better combat the string of largely unsolved crimes.
In most cases, Hispanic males have been targeted.
The victim in the latest attack was drunk at the time, police said. He told investigators he was walking when he was grabbed from behind by two men and thrown to the ground. He was then kicked and the suspects walked off. The man suffered facial lacerations.
No detailed descriptions of the attackers were provided by police.
A police press release not indicated where the attack occurred on Osborn, which runs from downtown Riverhead to Sound Avenue.
Anyone with information is being asked to call Riverhead Town police at 727-4500, ext. 313.
