UNIONDALE, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A man was arrested after he attacked a woman with a kitchen knife in a Long Island home on Tuesday night and then turned the weapon on a 9-year-old girl who attempted to intervene, Nassau County Police said.
Milton Mendez, 45, is charged with second-degree attempted murder, two counts of assault, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal obstruction of breathing, police said.
At about 9:30 p.m. Mendez was involved in a fight with a 39-year-old woman at a home in Uniondale, which turned violent when he allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and slashed her multiple times in the face and hands.
She suffered multiple lacerations and lost a significant amount of blood, police said.
A 9-year-old girl witnessed the attack and tried to stop Mendez, but he is accused of grabbing her around the neck and applying pressure, making it hard for her to breathe. He then allegedly punched the child on the right side of her head, causing pain and swelling.
The girl continued to try to get the knife away from Mendez and he cut both her hands, police said, causing wounds.
The 9-year-old and a 17-year-old girl exited the home and called 911.
Officers responded to the home and heard the 39-year-old woman screaming for help inside the kitchen. They spotted Mendez exit the room and enter the hallway carrying a blood-covered knife.
Police commanded Mendez to drop the knife, but he did not comply. They were able to disarm him as he approached, subdue him and place him under arrest.
The victims were taken to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment. They are in stable condition.
Mendez was arraigned on Jan. 8 at First District Court in Hempstead. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail, court records show. A temporary order of protection was also issued against him.
He is expected back in court on Jan. 10.