Murder charge for Elmont man in gun battle

A gun battle in Elmont Thursday night between two ex-convicts ended with the death of one man and the arrest of the other, Nassau police said Friday.

Jerome Steward, 50, of Elmont, was pronounced dead at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Rodmon Green, 40, of 111 Pelham Ave., was charged with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.

A verbal dispute between Steward and Green that began on Roquette Avenue Thursday night escalated into an exchange of gunfire, police said.

Steward, who was shot, was taken by a friend to the hospital where he later died, police said.

Green, who wasn't injured, fled on foot , police said. He was tracked to a residence on Roquette Avenue early Friday and arrested.

According to police, Green's criminal record included convictions for robbery, assault, weapons possession and drug sales. Steward had convictions for assault, drug sales and larceny, police said.

Green was to be arraigned on the charges Saturday in First District Court, Hempstead.