The Suffolk County Police Department reports an assault that took place at a Smithtown park on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 26.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., a 24-year-old male from Bay Shore arrived at Millers Pond County Park on Maple Avenue, purportedly for a first-time meet-up with a woman he had met via social media two days prior, according to police.
The victim was sitting in his car waiting for the woman when he was allegedly ambushed by four individuals who disguised their identities with bandanas; one shattered his windshield and another, brandishing a firearm, demanded that the victim exit the vehicle, officials say.
When the victim stepped out of his car, police say he was beaten and stabbed with a knife; the assailants then fled into the nearby woods. To date there have been no arrests in connection with this incident.
The victim was subsequently taken to a local area hospital by responders for treatment of serious injuries.
The suspects are described as Hispanic. It is not currently unknown if this was a planned ambush in set-up by the alleged female the victim was to meet, or a random attack.
Police request that anyone with information contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.