Police Searching For Suspects In Machete Attack On Teens In Long Island Park
WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police are still searching for suspects after three teenagers were stabbed with a machete at a Long Island park.
It happened at Hempstead Lake State Park around 3:15 p.m. Monday.
State park police said it was along one of the wooded trails that a group, armed with a knife and machete, attacked a group of teenage boys. The boys were all stabbed, once seriously enough to require surgery, police said.
Charles Graham is a long-time park goer.
"Hempstead Lake is extremely safe," he told CB2's Janelle Burrell. "Very few incidents over the last 35 years."
As word spread of the stabbings at nearby Hempstead High School, some students admit they're nervous.
"I don't know what to think to be honest," said student Steven Porter. "It's crazy, it's strikes my mind as, 'who could be next? What could happen?'"
Residents say one of the park's trails runs alongside the school.
In a statement, Hempstead Union Free School District spokesperson Mike Fricchione said security has been beefed up in and around the high school as a precaution and said grief and guidance counselors are being made available.
"Our hearts go out to those who have been affected as we assist local law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice," Fricchione said.
Graham believes because crime in the park is so rare, suspects must have known who they were after.
"Targeted or isolated," he said. "They were looking for trouble."
All together, there are believed to be six suspects, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported. Investigators say it's not clear what triggered the group to attack.
The injured teens were taken to area hospitals. Two of the teens had minor injuries. Police say the one who had surgery is in serious condition.