Man arrested in robbery, attack of teen in Elmont

A Hempstead man was arrested after a street robbery and knife attack in Elmont Wednesday left a teen hospitalized, police said.

Omar Cruz, 19, of 9 St. Paul's Road, Apt. 2C, was arrested Wednesday night in Elmont and charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree burglary, Nassau County police said. He was scheduled for arraignment Thursday in First District Court, Hempstead.

Police said Cruz was one of two who attacked a 17-year-old in Averill Park on Averill Boulevard Wednesday at 5 p.m. After slashing the teen, the two assailants fled with his iPod, police said.

The teen suffered severe lacerations to his neck and hand, and was airlifted to a hospital. He was listed in serious but stable condition, police said.

Police ask anyone with information on the case to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain anonymous, police said.