A seemingly ordinary Monday morning took a violent turn in Valley Stream after a woman attempting to break up a fight was slashed by a man wielding a knife.
According to Nassau County Police, officers responded to a report of a disturbance at J & F Jimenez Deli located at 240 Rockaway Avenue at around 12:30 am on July 22nd. Upon arrival, they found a 31-year-old female victim who reported that during an attempt to intervene in a fight, 38-year-old Jose Velasquez of Valley Stream brandished a knife, causing a laceration to her left hand.
The victim refused medical attention, and no other injuries were reported. Velasquez was apprehended without further incident.
Velasquez now faces serious charges. He was arraigned on charges of Second-Degree Assault and Fourth-Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. A temporary order of protection was issued against Velasquez. He pled not guilty and although bail was requested by the prosecutor, he was released on his own recognizance. Velasquez, who was represented by the. Legal Aid Society of Nassau County, is due back in court on July 29th.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Photo: NCPD.