A confrontation between two families at Long Island's Adventureland Amusement Park Sunday ended with a man stabbed and another under arrest, according to police and park officials.
The dispute broke out just before 5 p.m. on Sunday at the East Farmingdale amusement park on Broadhollow Road, as one man's wife was punched in the face and passed out on the ground. Police said the two men involved in the altercation knew each other.
Prosecutors and Adventureland officials said a man was stabbed with a folding knife in the abdomen in front of his four children. The 47-year-old victim was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital in critical condition, police said.
Adventureland said park security staff responded to the altercation and secured the scene, calling in first responders to give the stabbing victim medical attention. The park was running as usual late Sunday and will operate under regular hours this week, park officials said. They deferred further comment to the Suffolk County Police.
At least one child witnessed the stabbing, according to police.
"Adventureland provides a safe, family-friendly atmosphere which has been enjoyed by generations of Long Islanders," a spokesperson said. "We are extremely disheartened that these two individuals brought their ongoing dispute into our park, threatening the safety and well-being of our guests and our staff."
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"While we have an outstanding record for park safety, we are reviewing all of our policies and protocols both internally and with colleagues in the amusement park industry," the statement continued.
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Police said 42-year-old Daniel Tomasky, from Shirley, was in custody and charged with first- and second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, and endangering the welfare of a child.
During a court hearing Monday, Tomasky's attorney said that his client was simply defending his spouse.
"My client acted this way because his wife was punched, knocked her out and transported to a hospital," the attorney said.
Bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
The investigation is ongoing and detectives are asking anyone with more information to call 631-854-8152.
