Cops: Man reports early morning knife assault outside Royal Dorado

A 31-year-old man cut with a knife by another man outside the Royal Dorado Deli and Restaurant early this morning was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment, Riverhead Town Police said.

The man, a patron at the restaurant, reported being assaulted outside the front door of Royal Durado by another patron, according to police. The victim returned to his residence in Riverhead and called police at about 2 a.m. RVAC responded to his residence and transported him to the hospital, police said.

Riverhead Police detectives are investigating the incident and ask any witnesses or anyone with information to call 631-727-4500 ext. 321.

A year ago, Riverhead Town officials shut down the establishment, which they said was operating as a bar without proper town permits, after three violent assaults at or outside the premises between May and August 2015.

Though the East Main Street establishment had a certificate of occupancy for a deli but had constructed a bar and additional seating inside without the necessary permits, according to papers served by the town last August on Royal Dorado’s owner. Deli cases that were on site during a permit inspection had been removed since the town issued a certificate of occupancy in February 2011.

The county health department also issued Royal Dorado a permit for a 16-seat carry-out deli, but the addition of the bar, together with additional tables, created 27 more seats beyond what the health department permit allows — seven at the bar and another 20 at additional tables, Supervisor Sean Walter said last year.

The town filed a complaint last year with the State Liquor Authority, Walter said last year. This morning, he said he not sure of the status of that complaint.

Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller could not be reached this morning for comment.

Royal Dorado reopened last September after correcting its building code violations.