Armed assailants hit 2 men in face, Riverhead police say

Within less than half an hour, two men were struck in the face hard enough by men trying to rob them in Riverhead they had to be hospitalized  Monday evening, police said.

The first victim was riding a bike by Robinson Parkway near Ostrander Avenue when two men got out of a vehicle, assaulted him and tried to take his wallet at 8:07 p.m., Riverhead Town police said in a statement Tuesday morning.

His attackers fled after a neighbor, hearing screams, came outside, police said.

The victim was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center before being sent to another hospital because he might have suffered serious head injuries, police said.

The second victim, possibly attacked by the same assailants, was walking less than a mile away on Griffing Avenue at 8:30 p.m. when a vehicle drove past him and stopped, police said. "Numerous" men got out and surrounded him, police said.

One robber showed the victim a gun  then struck him in the face with it, police said. The other men also assaulted the victim and took a bag and money from him before taking off.

That victim also was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for injuries to his face, which do not appear to be life-threatening, police said.

Police  say the cases may be related,  and ask any witnesses or anyone with information to call 631-727-4500. All calls will remain confidential.