Man Charged In Stabbing Of Greenport's Alleged Peeping Tom: Police

GREENPORT, NY — A man has been charged in the stabbing of Greenport's alleged Peeping Tom, police said.

According to Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, on October 18, 2016, Eastern Long Island Hospital reported to Southold police that a victim had arrived at the hospital with a stab wound. The victim was identified as James Lawrence, 40, of Greenport Village.

Lawrence was allegedly assaulted on Oct. 18 at 3:15 p.m. near the Greenport IGA.

Medical staff from Eastern Long Island Hospital alerted police about a victim of violence who was transported to the hospital by a Good Samaritan, police said.

Lawrence was reportedly stabbed in the abdomen by an unknown individual, police said.

Flatley told Patch in October that Lawrence is believed to be the Peeping Tom residents say has been terrorizing the community.

In August, Greenport community members met to discuss the terror they say they have experienced due to the Peeping Tom.

An investigation was initiated into the assault, and after first being given erroneus information as to the location of the assault, detectives learned that the attack took place in a residence on Second Street, in Greenport Village, police said.

"An occupant of the residence transported Lawrence to Eastern Long Island Hospital, where he was then transferred to SUNY Stony Brook Hospital with a punctured diaphragm and a pierced pericardium. During this investigation a suspect was identified, but only by a street nickname," police said.

With the assistance of detectives, the suspect was identified as Javon O. Owens, 27, of East 169th Street in the Bronx, police said.

Owens has eluded police by staying a variety of locations in Suffolk County and New York City, police said.

On Monday, an officer stopped a vehicle in Greenport Village for a traffic violation and was able to identify Owens; he was placed under arrest and charged with first degree assault, police said.

Owens is being held overnight for an arraignment Tuesday, police said.

Greenport Village Trustee Doug Roberts recently asked Flatley at a public Synergy meeting whether or not a subject had been apprehended in the stabbing case; that arrest took place Monday,

Upon hearing the news, Roberts said, "I'd like to thank the chief and his staff for the work on behalf of Greenport residents and I hope they will call on the village if they need further assistance."