Friday, May 26, 2023, 5:00 p.m
BELLEROSE VILLAGE, Nassau County (WABC) — A Long Island man has been arrested after he allegedly fatally stabbed a man who was apparently stealing wheels from his car.
According to detectives, around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 28-year-old Jacob Alvarenga Mejia saw three men trying to steal the rims and tires from his parked 2023 Toyota Highlander in front of his home.
He is accused of walking outside his home on Jericho Highway with a large kitchen knife and stabbing one of the men several times before all three fled.
The victim, later identified as 22-year-old Luis Peña of the Bronx, died at the hospital.
Two months ago, Mejia was the victim of a catalytic converter theft.
“Mr. Mejia was the victim of a catalytic converter theft two months prior, which enraged him to the point that when it was happening, he went outside and went too far,” the Nassau County Police Department said. Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick. “He stabbed him several times, those stab wounds caused the death of Mr. Penn.”
Police say two suspects fired shots while fleeing the alleged robbery, but no one was injured. They have been located and interviewed by investigators, and authorities say charges are likely to be filed.
Mejia is scheduled to appear in court Friday to answer charges of first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault. He is being held on $1 million bond.
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