Cops: Man stabbed multiple times with a large kitchen knife during dispute on W. Main Street, suspect apprehended after foot chase

Fast work by Riverhead Police saved the life of a stabbing victim on West Main Street late last night and resulted in the arrest of a man accused in the crime.

A plain clothes police officer observed a dispute between two men in the area of Griffing Avenue and West Main Street at about 10:45 p.m. Monday, the Riverhead Police Department said in a press release issued this morning.

According to the press release:

The officer radioed patrol cars and headquarters and then saw one of the men chase the other. The man being chased appeared to be bleeding, as his shirt was “soaked in blood.” He crossed West Main Street and then collapsed to the ground in front of 11 West Main Street.

The man who was chasing him then began to run from the area, westbound on West Main Street, police said. The officer chased him.

The suspect was apprehended a short distance away on West Main Street and was found to be in possession of a large kitchen knife that was covered in blood, police said.

Ronald Dejesus Oscal Cruz, 29, of Riverhead, was arrested and charged with Assault in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth degree, police said. He was processed and held for arraignment.

The victim, a 36-year-old man whom police did not identify in the release, had multiple stab wounds, police said. Police officers rendered first aid and Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps transported him to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries. The victim is in critical condition in the intensive care unit, according to the press release.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time and anyone with information is asked to contact Riverhead Police at 631-727-4500.

Editor’s note: A criminal charge is an accusation. A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.