An alleged MS-13 member has been indicted on four counts of first-degree assault and other related charges for allegedly attacking two men outside a Huntington Station bar and causing permanent damage to their eyes.
On December 4, 2023, at approximately 11:46 p.m., Gensel Soler Avila got into a physical altercation with another man at a bar in Huntington Station. When the man attempted to run away, Soler Avila allegedly chased him into the middle of the intersection of Pulaski Road and New York Avenue and knocked him to the ground. Soler Avila then allegedly beat the victim’s face and body with a sharp object and stabbed him numerous times including in his eye. The attack caused the victim to bleed heavily and eventually pass out in the middle of the road.
The victim was later found by law enforcement still lying unconscious in the street. While Soler Avila was walking away from the first victim, he allegedly attacked a second man by punching him numerous times while holding a sharp object. During that alleged assault, Soler Avila caused a stab wound that began at the victim’s forehead and dragged down to his eye, causing it to bleed heavily.
Both victims were brought to Huntington Hospital but required specialized surgery and were transferred to North Shore University Hospital. The victims each suffered permanent loss of vision in one of their eyes in addition to several other serious injuries, including lacerations to the chest and face.
On June 18, Avila was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for four counts of first-degree assault, four counts of second-degree assault, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. Ambro ordered Soler Avila held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $3 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Soler Avila is due back in court on July 24, 2024.
“These alleged brutal acts which resulted in the permanent loss of vision for the victims, are a stark reminder of the senseless violence that torments our communities,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “The allegations against this individual, including that he is an MS-13 gang member, are deeply troubling. Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that those who perpetrate such heinous acts are held accountable.”