A Mastic man was indicted today on charges connected to the “alleged unprovoked stabbings of two random men” on May 2 in Riverhead and Riverside, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Rene Alexander Elias Chaj, 23, was indicted on two counts of second-degree assault and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon — all Class D violent felonies — according to a press release from the DA’s office. Elias Chaj was allegedly in possession of cocaine at the time of his arrest, the release states.
“Random acts of violence are chilling,” District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement. “The safety of our residents is my highest priority, and I will vigorously prosecute this case to ensure justice for the victims and protection for our community.”
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on May 2, Elias Chaj stabbed another man in his left side with a knife while the two were seated at the Time to Eat Deli on West Main Street in Riverhead. The victim was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital and treated for his injuries, according to the release.
Elias Chaj then exited the deli and boarded a Suffolk County Transit bus at the County Center in Riverside around 3:48 p.m., according to the DA. About three minutes later, he allegedly jumped from his seat and stabbed another man who had been sitting behind him; Elias Chaj stabbed the left side of his body, puncturing his lung, according to the release.
The bus stopped, and Elias Chaj fled northbound on foot on County Road 51, where he was arrested shortly afterward by Southampton Town Police, the release states. He was found to be in possession of a clear ziplock bag containing powdered cocaine, the press release states.
Supreme Court Justice John Collins ordered Elias Chaj held on $300,000 cash, $600,000 bond or $3,000,000 secured bond while the case is pending, according to the DA. Elias Chaj is due back in court on June 4, 2025, and faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted on the top counts.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has filed a request for advance notice if Elias Chaj, a Guatemalan national, is to be released, according to the press release. Immigrants convicted of violent crimes are subject to deportation under federal immigration law.
Elias Chaj pleaded not guilty and plans to defend against the charges, his defense attorney, Daniel Fox, said.
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.
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