Prosecutors say a 25-year-old Mastic man was indicted after allegedly stabbing a 71-year-old motorist in the neck following a confrontation at an intersection in Suffolk County.
A Mastic man has been indicted on felony assault charges after prosecutors say he stabbed a 71-year-old driver in the neck during a road rage confrontation in May.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Jeremiah Giraud, 25, was arraigned Thursday on charges including two counts of second-degree assault for the alleged attack.
“No one should fear for their life or safety because other motorists on our roadways act out of anger,” Tierney said. “My office is committed to ensuring that those who resort to violence on our roads face serious consequences.”
Confrontation followed exchange of horns
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred at approximately 9:07 a.m. on May 19 at the intersection of Ditmas Avenue and Riviera Drive in Mastic.
Investigators allege the 71-year-old victim stopped at the intersection when a Nissan Murano pulled up behind his vehicle. The driver of the SUV allegedly honked at the victim, who responded by honking back.
Prosecutors said the victim then made a U-turn while the Nissan Murano turned onto Riviera Drive before returning to Ditmas Avenue and honking again.
Both the victim and Giraud, who prosecutors allege was a passenger in the Murano, exited their vehicles and briefly interacted before Giraud allegedly stabbed the victim in the back of the neck with a knife.
Victim called 911 after attack
According to the indictment, Giraud allegedly got back into the Nissan Murano, which then left the scene.
The victim called 911 and was transported to NYU Langone Hospital in Patchogue, where he was treated for his injuries.
Investigators later arrested Giraud in Mastic. Prosecutors said law enforcement recovered the knife allegedly used in the stabbing from the Nissan Murano.
Defendant held on bond
Giraud was arraigned Thursday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski on two counts of second-degree assault, both Class D violent felonies, and one count of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.
Justice Pilewski ordered Giraud held on $50,000 cash bail, a $100,000 bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond pending trial.
If convicted of the top charge, Giraud faces a potential prison sentence of 2⅓ to 7 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick J. Mullen of the Major Crime Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Detective Brian Raleigh of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Seventh Squad.
