Police

Air rifle shooting suspect pleads not guilty

CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | Police escort Brayan Cahueque, 23, into Southold Town court on Monday.

A 23-year-old Laurel man pleaded not guilty to a second-degree assault charge after being accused of shooting a man in the face with an air rifle early Sunday morning.

Brayan Cahueque fired the shot at a 23-year-old man during an altercation about 4 a.m. at 1345 Main Road in Laurel, police said.

In court on Monday, a translator read Mr. Cahueque the felony charge. After, his lawyer William Moore said Mr. Cahueque wasn’t guilty of the crime.

“We dispute the factual allegations,” Mr. Moore said.

Mr. Cahueque has three children and no criminal record, Mr. Moore told the court.

Cahueque is due back in court next month; his sister posted his $500 cash bail.

The victim of the incident was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of his injury, police said.

Police said they are holding the weapon as evidence.

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