2 arrested in New Cassel stabbing

Police arrested two New Cassel men who they said fled into a resident's home through a kitchen window after attacking two men during a confrontation early Sunday.

According to Nassau County Police detectives, Carlos Mendoza, 27, of 226 Brook St., and Jose Hernandez, 36, of 263 Covert St., confronted a 22-year-old woman about 4:05 a.m. and began harassing her while on Monitor Street and Union Avenue in New Cassel.

Two men, ages 24 and 34, who were walking with the woman, came to her defense and asked the men to leave her alone. That's when, police said, Hernandez pulled a small knife from his waist band and threatened to kill one of the men before lunging at him and stabbing him in the abdomen. Police said Hernandez then lunged at the other male victim who had pulled the woman out of the way and missed him. Mendoza, police said, then took a stick and struck in the abdomen the man who pulled the woman out of harm's way, knocking him to the ground.

Police said Hernandez and Mendoza then fled and entered an apartment on Roman Avenue by climbing through a kitchen window. They left when confronted by a tenant, police said.

Officers located and arrested Hernandez and Mendoza on Roman Avenue, and the knife was recovered at the scene.

The stabbing victim was transported to a hospital and was listed in critical but stable condition Sunday. The second victim refused medical treatment. Hernandez sustained a cut to his eye and was transported to a hospital, where he was treated and released to police. No other injuries were reported.

Each suspect was being charged Sunday with two counts of fourth-degree possession of a dangerous weapon and second-degree criminal trespass. Hernandez additionally was being charged with first-degree assault and Mendoza was being charged with second-degree assault and false impersonation.

Both men were expected to be arraigned Monday in First District Court.