Cops: Stabbing Victim was Targeted

The 20-year-old Plainview man who was savagely attacked on the streets of Plainview Monday was specifically targeted by his two knife-wielding assailants, Nassau County Detectives said Wednesday.

The victim, a 20-year-old man, remains in critical but stable condition at a Nassau County hospital after suffering two deep stab wounds in the broad-daylight attack.

Detectives worked through the night following leads in the case and credited the readers of with their assistance in bringing the attackers closer to justice, detectives said.

"We do not believe this was a random attack but is an isolated incident," said Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone of the 2nd Squad Detectives. "The victim was targeted in this case."

Repalone said leads provided by Patch readers on this website are appreciated and are being pursued by detectives. "We appreciate the input of the public," he said, "and are following up those leads."

The victim, as yet publicly unidentified, was brutally attacked from behind as he tried to flee his assailants Monday on Jamaica Avenue, Nassau Police said. He was stabbed in the back twice. One wound punctured his liver; the second pierced his lung.

The late-afternoon attack took place within a block of the which now houses It has left the Plainview community, preparing to celebrate prom and graduation this week, shaken. Many calls and emails to Patch have expressed concerns and reported that their children are frightened to go outside.

Police assured the public that the attack Monday was not a random act of violence.

The victim left a blood trail along Jamaica Avenue, leading eastward toward the school from the corner of Orchard Street. The two assailants were observed running from the scene, Nassau Police said. Cops descended on the quiet neighborhood and a manhunt, involving a police helicopter and K-9 units ensued.

Detectives said they still need the public's help for clues to the identities of the attackers. 

The suspects have been described as young people, about 20 years of age, one a dark-skinned black male, the other a light skinned black or Hispanic male.

Detectives request anyone with information about this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous, detectives said.