A Huntington man has been arrested following an early-morning shooting that left another man seriously injured on Saturday, according to Suffolk County Police.
Police said John Rech, 71, of Huntington, was taken into custody after he shot a 21-year-old man during an encounter at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, along Wall Street in Huntington.
Investigators said the victim, a 21-year-old man from Fort Salonga, was chasing Rech at the time of the shooting. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Rech was charged with Assault in the Second Degree and was arraigned on Sunday, January 4, at First District Court in Central Islip. Police confirmed that Rech possessed a valid license for the firearm, which was recovered at the scene.
The incident is being investigated by the Suffolk County Police Department, and authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, a charge is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Suffolk County Police.
