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The incident took place in Riverhead around 10:45 p.m., Monday, July 18 in the area of Griffing Avenue and West Main Street.
The attack was discovered when a Riverhead officer spotted some kind of dispute between two men on the street, said Det. Richard Freeborn, of the Riverhead Police.
As the officer called for backup, one of the men began chasing the other. The man being chased appeared to be bleeding and his shirt was soaked in blood, Freeborn said.
When the victim crossed West Main Street he collapsed to the ground in front of 11 West Main Street. The suspect then changed directions and began to run from the area in a westbound direction on West Main Street, while the officer gave chase, police said.
The suspect, identified as Ronald Dejesus Oscal Cruz, age 29, of Riverhead, was apprehended a short distance away on West Main Street and was found to be in possession of a large kitchen knife, that was covered in blood, Freeborn said.
He was taken into custody without further incident.
The victim was found to have multiple stab wounds and officers rendered first aid until he was transported by Riverhead Ambulance to Peconic Bay Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, Freeborn added.
Once at the hospital, the victim, a 36-year-old Riverhead man, underwent emergency surgery to stabilize his injuries and he remains in intensive care in critical condition at this time, Freeborn said.
Oscal Cruz was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon and held for arraignment.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time and anyone with information is asked to contact Riverhead Police at 631-727-4500.
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