The incident happened in Riverhead, at the Lower Peconic River Fishing Access Site near West Main Street, at around 11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.
Riverhead Town Police said the 44-year-old victim told officers a man armed with a baseball bat struck him in the face before fleeing the scene on foot.
Officers found the victim bleeding from his face with what appeared to be several injuries to his face and head. He was initially taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead but was later transferred to Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens due to the severity of his injuries.
With the help of a K-9 unit, Riverhead Police located a suspect, 47-year-old Shurvelle Rush, in a nearby wooded area. Investigators also recovered the baseball bat believed to have been used in the attack.
Police said Rush, of Riverhead, also caused extensive damage to the victim’s vehicle during the attack. Authorities did not say whether the two men knew one another, or speculate on a possible motive for the attack.
Rush was arrested on suspicion of the following:
- Assault (felony)
- Criminal possession of a weapon (felony)
- Criminal mischief (felony)
Investigators asked anyone with information in the case to contact the Riverhead Town Police Department at 631-727-4500.
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