WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — The two remaining suspects wanted for beating and slashing a Marine in the neck on Christmas Eve have been arrested, police said.
Abbie Tejada, 19, and Michael Navarro, 25, were both arrested last month and charged with attacking the 21-year-old soldier in front of 206 Audubon Ave., the NYPD said.
The victim was visiting the area when he was slashed, punched and beaten with an umbrella by Tejada, Navarro, and two other suspects who were arrested in January, police said.
The victim was slashed on the left side of his neck, left arm and back, causing heavy blood loss and a 10-inch cut on his neck, according the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Police sources said the soldier was attacked at 2:45 a.m. after asking for a light.
Video surveillance from inside a store shows Navarro talking to Tejada and the two other suspects, Frank Francisco, 33, and Ramon Reyes, 20, before stepping outside, prosecutors said.
Navarro was standing near Francisco when the latter first punched the victim, according to the complaint. Navarro then began hitting the man, while Tejada struck the victim with an umbrella, the complaint said.
Another man who was with the victim during the attack was also punched and kicked after he tried to help.
Tejada and Navarro were both charged with gang assault, the DA said.
Both suspects were released on their own recognizance, with Tejada due back in court on April 21 and Navarro due back in court on April 27. Francisco and Reyes are due back on March 22.
Navorro and Francisco’s attorney had no comment regarding the case, while Reyes’s lawyer did not return a request for comment. Tejada’s attorney could not be reached.
