4 Charged With Gang Assault In Nassau County

BAY PARK, NY – Four people were arrested and charged with gang assault and police are seeking others after they attacked two teens with baseball bats and pepper spray in Nassau County Sunday afternoon, police said.

According to Nassau Police, Brandon Battaglia, 18, Robert Battaglia, 18, and Avante Lester, 24, all of East Rockaway, and 16-year-old Kristin Milbank, of Oceanside, encircled two males, ages 18 and 19, on Marjorie Lane in Bay Park around 2:25 p.m. They then sprayed pepper spray in their eyes and one of the victims was struck in the head and body with baseball bats while also being punched and kicked, police said.

The assailants then fled the scene on foot, police said.

One victim, who suffered lacerations to the head, concussions and bruising, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other victim, who was only pepper sprayed, refused medical attention at the scene.

Fourth Precinct officers located the attackers in the vicinity soon after and they were placed under arrest. Police are seeking others who were involved in the assault.

The four people who were arrested were charged with first degree assault, first degree gang assault and four degree criminal possession of a weapon. Milbank, who was found to be in possession of brass knuckles and a knife, was also charged with fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon and possession of noxious material.

NCPD photos (clockwise from top left): Robert Battaglia, Brandon Battaglia, Kristin Milbank and Avante Lester