The Suffolk County police officer was stabbed by a knife-wielding suspect who attempted to flee from authorities and was eventually found hiding under a car on Tuesday morning. The incident took place at Gibbs Road near Coolidge Avenue in Amity Harbor, following a 911 call reporting individuals trying to steal from vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers managed to apprehend Marcello Martinez, 19, at the corner of East Gibbs Road and Western Concourse. However, his accomplice, Steven Vazquez, 22, managed to escape but was later discovered hiding under a nearby car. As officers tried to detain Vazquez, he stabbed a police officer in the upper right thigh and slashed him on the chin.
The injured officer received immediate medical attention, with a tourniquet applied to his leg. He was then treated and released from a local hospital. Vazquez, from Bay Shore, now faces charges of second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, menacing a police officer, and grand larceny.
Martinez, a resident of North Babylon, was charged with possession of burglar’s tools and criminal possession of stolen property. Both suspects are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday.
The Suffolk County Police are actively investigating the incident, which highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The swift actions of the officers involved in the apprehension of the suspects demonstrate their dedication to serving and protecting the community.
