Cops: 2nd suspect in July robbery, stabbing captured in Maryland

Two men, including a fugitive, have been arrested in connection with the July robbery and stabbing of another man in Lawrence, Nassau police said Thursday.

Saul Rodriguez, 19, of Inwood, and Franklin Acosta, 18, of Far Rockway, argued with the victim on July 14 at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Cemetery, police said.

The suspects kicked and punched the victim and both stabbed him, cutting him in the shoulder and hand, police said. They also stole his cellphone, police said.

The victim, 21, was treated for nonlife-threatening injuries at a hospital.

The night after the fight, Rodriguez was found and arrested, police said.

But Acosta fled the state to avoid arrest, police said. He was arrested without incident 12:30 p.m. Wednesday after being tracked down in Maryland by investigators with the gang and fugitive squad and the U.S. Marshals Service, police said.

Both men have been charged with first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree robbery and second-degree assault.

Acosta also had Nassau warrants for first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery and second-degree assault from a separate case, police said. Information on that case was not immediately available.

Acosta, of Caffrey Avenue, is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.

Rodriguez, of Wanser Avenue, was arraigned July 16 and his bail was set at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash, according to online court records. An order of protection was issued against him, according to court records.