Suffolk County police arrested an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male in connection with the beating of a 73-year-old man who was collecting bottles in a Hauppauge parking lot, while a third suspect remained at large, police said.
The assault happened Tuesday, Aug. 11, at about 3:40 p.m. in the parking lot of Bolla Market at 504 Route 111.
Police said Keeghan Lynch, 18, and two 17-year-old males approached the 73-year-old Hauppauge man as he collected bottles. The two 17-year-olds allegedly struck the man with a bottle before punching and kicking him.
The group then fled in a white Chevrolet Trailblazer, police said.
The victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
About an hour later, police said the same Trailblazer stopped in front of 18 Lisa Court in Shirley. One of the 17-year-olds allegedly demanded that a 67-year-old man riding an e-scooter hand it over.
The man refused, fled and called 911, police said.
Following an investigation by Suffolk County police Fourth Squad detectives, the 17-year-old was arrested and charged with attempted third-degree robbery and two counts of second-degree assault. He is scheduled to be arraigned in the Youth Part of First District Court.
Lynch was later arrested at his home in Remsenburg at 8:37 p.m., police said. He was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and was scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 15 at First District Court in Central Islip.
Police said the other 17-year-old involved in the Hauppauge assault has been identified but has not yet been apprehended.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone with information or anyone who believes they may have been another victim to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8552.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, through the P3 Tips app or at P3Tips.com.
The charges are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
