By JEFF LIPTON
The 34-year-old woman, who suffered severe head injuries as the result of the assault, was found on Aug. 11 at 5:35 p.m. by her husband when he returned home. The victim was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where she was listed in stable condition, according to Detective Lt. Larry Feffer of the 4th Squad.
Although investigators provided few details of the incident and would not reveal where in Island Park the attack occurred, a police report revealed that the victim was found in the bathroom covered in blood, with cuts and bruises on her face, and was believed to have sustained a fractured skull.
There were no signs of forced entry, and nothing appeared to have been taken from the home or the victim, leaving police with little idea of a motive. "We're currently doing an intensive investigation," Feffer said. "Hopefully it will culminate in an arrest.
"I would advise residents to keep their doors shut and their windows shut, and to keep their alarms on," he added.
Inspector Paul Clark, commanding officer of the 4th Precinct, called the attack "unusual" and said that police patrols have been intensified in the area. "We've canvassed the area several times and have spoken to the neighbors," said Clark. "We have a strong uniformed and unmarked presence in that area. There are some leads that are being pursued."
He advised residents, "Don't let strangers in the house, and if you're confronted [in your home], make as much noise as possible by yelling, 'Call the police, call the police!'"
Island Park Mayor Jim Ruzicka said he was shocked when he learned about the assault. "It's a tragedy, it really is," said Ruzicka. "I hope for the best for the young lady. There's a lot of speculation as to what happened, and I'm sure it will cause a lot of concern."
He called the incident "isolated," adding, "This is Island Park - we don't see much of that. Unfortunately, we live in a society where these things happen, and it's a sad thing."
Ruzicka expressed hope that the incident would spur residents to form a Neighborhood Watch program in the north end of the village, similar to one that was established two years ago in the south end. Those who take part in the program keep a watchful eye on one another's homes, especially when neighbors are away on vacation, by taking in the mail and newspapers. They also keep in close contact with one another, reporting any suspicious vehicles or people on their block.
"Everyone watches everyone else - that's what makes a Neighborhood Watch so special," said Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach), whose district includes Island Park. "In society today, no place is safe. This incident is upsetting, but not shocking."
"We're very satisfied with the program [in the south end], and now we want to get the rest of the village on board," said Ruzicka. "What a great success it has been. It has brought that community together. And basically it has been a deterrent to crime."
He added, "Somebody has to take the ball and run with it [in the north end]." Ruzicka said that residents do not treat crime as a priority "generally because people are so busy, and they feel they are living in a relatively safe area." He explained that neighbors of Radcliffe and Suffolk roads created the program in response to drug dealing and other quality-of-life issues in their community.
Rosemary Zezulinski, who co-founded the program on Radcliffe Road, said it was one of the best things that had taken place in the community, and that all it takes is three or four interested residents to get a Neighborhood Watch started. "It's been really successful, and we're very happy with it," she said. "The neighbors really know each other and watch out for each other.
"We know the neighbors are keeping an eye out for illegal activity on the block," Zezulinski added. "There's definitely more a sense of community that we feel."
Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), whose district also covers Island Park, said that a few years ago, the community tried to launch an auxiliary police force, but couldn't get it off the ground. "I urge them to form a Neighborhood Watch," Ford said, "and I will work with them on that."
Anyone with information on the Aug. 11 assault is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS. All calls will be kept strictly confidential, police said.
Comments about this story? JLipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.
