18-year-old arrested after Selden parking lot stabbing leaves 19-year-old seriously injured

Richard Torres, 18, of Middle Island, was taken into custody after a 19-year-old male was stabbed during an altercation in the parking lot of the College Plaza Shopping Center, 949 Middle Country Road in Selden, at approximately 11 p.m. on Feb. 18, Suffolk County police reported.

Authorities say the wounded 19-year-old was driven to an area hospital by a friend. As TBR News Media reported, “A friend of the victim drove him to an area hospital where he is in serious but stable condition.” Police have not released the victim’s name.

Investigators say Torres fled the scene in a 2015 Nissan sedan. As TBR News Media described the response, “Torres fled the scene in a 2015 Nissan sedan. A short time later, Sixth Precinct officers located the Nissan in Coram, initiated a traffic stop, and placed Torres in custody.” Patch and Long Island Life & Politics published similar accounts of the vehicle recovery and traffic stop by Sixth Precinct officers.

The Suffolk County Sixth Squad detectives have charged Torres with assault in the second degree. TBR News Media stated, “Sixth Squad detectives charged Torres, 18, of Middle Island, with Assault 2nd Degree. He is being held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 19.” Long Island Life & Politics reported that he “was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 19,” while Patch said he “is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Thursday.” The differing accounts on whether the arraignment occurred as scheduled on Feb. 19 remain unresolved in the available reports.

Sixth Squad detectives are handling the investigation and are requesting help from the public. TBR News Media quoted investigators: “Detectives are asking anyone with information on the stabbing to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854- 8652.” That tip line also appears in Patch and Long Island Life & Politics reports.

Local reaction quickly surfaced online: a LongIsland.com Facebook post about the incident recorded 206 reactions, 190 comments and 45 shares, with one commenter, Tony Russo, writing, “This is happening across all towns on Long Island. Sad that it happened in our back yard. At least they caught the kid and got him off the streets.”

Key follow-ups remain: confirmation of whether an arraignment was held at First District Court in Central Islip on Feb. 19, the status of the victim’s recovery beyond “serious but stable,” and any additional charges or court scheduling for Torres. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.