By Jeff Lipton
The victim, whose identity was being withheld by police, was listed in critical condition at an area hospital, officials said.
The suspect, Diego A. Deleon of Island Park, was arrested by 4th Precinct police officer John Giovaniello on Aug. 14 at 11:11 p.m., as Deleon was walking on Waukena Avenue in Oceanside shortly after the stabbing, authorities said.
According to 4th Squad Detective Sgt. David Curry, the victim was getting out of her vehicle in the driveway of her home on Freeman Avenue at 11 p.m. when the suspect allegedly stabbed her once with a "fairly large" knife. The victim managed to make it to the home of a neighbor, who called 911 and administered first aid to the victim. Police searched the area, and found the suspect a short time later. They also recovered the knife, which was still in Deleon's possession, detectives said.
Investigators are still searching for a possible motive for the stabbing. Curry said that detectives do not believe the victim and the suspect knew each other. "We're exploring all possible motives at this time," he said. "We don't believe it was anything domestic. Right now, at this point in the investigation, there appears to be no connection between the victim and suspect that we know of."
Curry also all but ruled out robbery as a motive because nothing appeared to have been taken from the victim.
Deleon was charged with second-degree attempted murder and fourth-degree possession of a dangerous weapon, according to police. He was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Aug. 16.
Curry said that Giovaniello "did an excellent job arresting [Deleon] without incident."
Deleon's attorney, Edward Paltzik, maintained his client's innocence. "We're vigorously defending him," Paltzik said. "We believe 100 percent in his innocence. We're extremely confident that they have the wrong guy.
"He had no prior relationship with the woman," Paltzik added. "He would have no reason to do that."
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