By Andrew Hackmack
Man in critical condition after attack outside Broadway home
Police are trying to figure out why a group of teenagers beat up a Valley Stream man outside his home on Broadway early Sunday morning. Authorities stopped short of calling the incident racially-motivated, but said that is a factor they are investigating.
The 30-year-old man is now was sent to the hospital and was in critical condition. "We don't believe that the injuries are life threatening," said police spokesman Det. Sgt. Repalone.
The victim reportedly came outside from his home at 110 Broadway to move his car from the street and into the driveway at about 12:30 a.m. on July 5. Repalone said after moving his car, the group of about 12 to 15 African-American male teenagers attacked the man, who is white, and punched and kicked him repeatedly.
According to police, a witness at the party may have heard someone in the group say something that would indicate the attack was based on race. However, that fact is still being investigated, Repalone said, and right now the incident is being treated as a gang attack.
Repalone said the victim was hosting a small gathering at his home for the Fourth of July. After the attack, the victim's mother reportedly ran outside and said that she had called police, causing the group to disperse.
The mother reportedly made a 911 call from a cell phone however, because of the home's proximity to the city, the call went to the New York Police Department. Nassau County Police received the information but were unable to identify the caller. Repalone said he does not believe that Nassau Police showed up until later Sunday when the victim's injuries got worse and he decided to seek medical attention.
Police transported the man to South Nassau Communities Hospital. He suffered a fractured eye socket and concussion. It is not believed that any weapons were used in the attack.
Repalone said police interviewed the victim and hope to speak to him again when he is in a better state. He added that the man has so far stated that he did not know any of his assailants. "We don't know what the motive is at this point," he said.
No arrests have been made yet, however Repalone said that progress is being made on the investigation. He said the extent of the victim's injuries would likely to Level B felony charges for anyone arrested.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS.
