Crime Watch

Police: Teen stabbed in Merrick over social media posts

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Police are investigating an Instagram post that allegedly led to the stabbing of a 17-year old Merrick resident.

Officials identified the alleged stabber as Anthony Vas, a junior at Kennedy High School in Bellmore. The victim, also 17, went to Vas’s Hewlett Avenue home to confront him about the social media post. A fight ensued around 3:35 p.m. on Wednesday and, during the altercation, Vas grabbed a five-inch steak knife and stabbed the victim, police said.

The victim fled and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was listed in stable condition as of press time on Thursday morning. Police did not say how the victim was transported to the hospital.

Police arrested Vas at his home without incident at around 7:45 p.m. He was charged with first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was to be arraigned on Thursday in First District Court in Hempstead, after press time.

Authorities did not offer further information about the social media posts.