Third Man Arrested in Inwood Gang-Related Attempted Murder

Police said they have arrested the third man that allegedly stabbed a 23-year-old victim numerous times in Inwood in February.

Manuel Pelaez, 21, of Riverhead, was taken into custody at his residence on Tuesday and charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree gang assault, first-degree and second-degree assault, and possession of a dangerous weapon in the fourth degree. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday.

According to detectives, a 23-year-old male victim was at the Carisma Restaurant at 199 Mott Ave. in Lawrence on Feb. 23 at 4 a.m. when he saw Erick Pelaez, 27, of North Lawrence, Sergio Acosta, 18, of Inwood and Pelaez also in the establishment.

As the the victim walked home to his residence on Clinton Avenue in Inwood, the three men allegedly struck the victim repeatedly about the body, dragged him behind a house and stabbed him multiple times, police said.

The alleged defendants then fled the scene on foot southbound on Clinton Avenue.

The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was admitted with stab wounds to the throat, arms and legs.