Gensel Soler Avila, 21, of Huntington Station, allegedly an MS-13 gang member, viciously attacked two men outside a Huntington Station bar on December 4, 2023, leaving each with permanent vision loss in one eye.
The assault began around 11:46 p.m. when Soler Avila is said by investigators that he confronted a man inside the bar. According to the investigation, the confrontation escalated, and as the man attempted to flee, Soler Avila reportedly chased him into the intersection of Pulaski Road and New York Avenue.
Soler Avila is said to have knocked the man to the ground and beat him with a sharp object. The victim was repeatedly stabbed, including in his eye, causing severe bleeding. The brutal attack continued until the victim lost consciousness, collapsing in the middle of the road.
Law enforcement officers later found the victim still lying unconscious in the street, covered in blood.
As Soler Avila walked away from his first victim, he encountered a second man and allegedly attacked him as well. Witnesses report that Soler Avila punched the second victim numerous times while holding a sharp object. The second attack resulted in a deep stab wound that began at the victim’s forehead and dragged down to his eye, causing it to bleed heavily.
Both victims were initially taken to Huntington Hospital but required specialized surgery and were subsequently transferred to North Shore University Hospital.
The injuries sustained by the victims were catastrophic. Each suffered permanent loss of vision in one eye, in addition to several other serious injuries. The first victim required over 50 staples to his head and the insertion of a prosthetic skull due to the severity of his injuries. The second victim also sustained severe lacerations to the chest and face.
“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.”
On June 18th, Soler Avila was arraigned on the indictment. The judge in the case ordered Soler Avila held on $500,000 cash bail, $1 million bond, or $3 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Soler Avila is due back in court on July 24th.
