Homeless Man Shot, Killed after Allegedly Stabbing Another Man
By Hank Russell
The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad and Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Centereach.
On July 13, Sixth Precinct officers responded to the back of a building at 2505 Middle Country Road at 8:48 a.m. after a 911 caller reported a disturbance involving a weapon. When officers arrived, they found a 44-year-old man stabbed in the neck.
As the victim was receiving medical treatment, the suspect, Emilson Yoan Ordonez-Vanegaz, emerged from a nearby wooded area with a knife held above his head. Ordonez-Vanegaz allegedly yelled and lunged toward the victim as the victim was receiving treatment.
One officer fired at Ordonez-Vanegaz, striking him. Ordonez-Vanegaz, 29, who is homeless, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment of tinnitus.
Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina held a press conference near the incident, recognizing the officer’s response. “Had it not been for the officer’s quick actions, the victim would have been stabbed in the neck with that knife and probably killed,” he said.
The SCPD noted that they have notified the state attorney general’s office.