Hempstead man arrested in knife-slashing

A Hempstead man was arrested early Sunday in a knife-slashing attack on another man during an argument, Nassau County police said.

Ernest Mitchell, 45, of 472 Front St., was at a Seitz Avenue home in Hempstead at 12:55 a.m. when, police said, he argued with a 44-year-old about phone use.

Police said the argument became physical, and Mitchell pulled a knife and slashed the victim in the face. As the men fought, they fell down a flight of stairs, police said.

Hempstead Village police went to the scene and arrested Mitchell after an investigation, police said. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries, and Mitchell was taken to a hospital for treatment of head contusions, Nassau police said.

A folding knife was found at the scene, police said.

Mitchell is charged with second-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Police said he will be arraigned as soon as medically practical.