Just three days after a group of Rockville Centre teens allegedly a 44-year-old village resident so badly they broke his ribs and put him in the hospital, police have arrested two seniors and charged them with gang assault.
William Moore, 18, was arrested on June 20 and Matthew Diperna, 18, was arrested on June 21. Each was charged with second-degree gang assault — a C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
According to a spokesman from First District Court, Moore was released on bail and DiPerna was released on his own recognizance.
South Side seniors graduate today at 5 p.m.
Police gave this account of what happened:
The wife of the assault victim was walking her dog on Nottingham Road when she was verbally accosted by five to eight young men. She ran home and told her husband of the incident, and the two drove around the neighborhood looking for the men to demand an apology.
They found the group on Roxen Road, which is where the assault took place, police said. Neighbors who heard the disturbance called police at 11:55 p.m. The men fled before police arrived and Nassau County detectives were called in to join the investigation.
The man was transported by Rockville Centre police to where he was treated for broken ribs, multiple contusions and injuries to the face and jaw.
“This is a very serious incident and we are diligently pursuing the investigation with our partners in the Nassau County Detective Bureau," said Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Chuck Gennario. "Any residents who may have information regarding this assault should contact the Rockville Centre Police Department detectives as soon as possible by calling 766-1500."
RVC Mayor Fran Murray said he has complete faith that the police will bring their investigation of this incident to its proper conclusion.
“The trustees and I have been fully briefed on this incident and I have directed the commissioner to pursue this case aggressively," Murray said. "I thank the residents who have helped us with this investigation so far. We are all working diligently to insure the safety of our residents."
