Police: Homeless man slashes man’s body in Elmont

The 4th Squad arrested a homeless man from Hempstead for assaulting and robbing a 43-year-old man in Elmont on Oct. 13.

According to police, the victim was walking with a friend on Meacham Avenue, near Hempstead Turnpike, and was approached by James Howley, 46. Howley, after persistently asking the victim for a dollar, saw that he, the victim, had additional money in his wallet and demanded that he be given more. When the victim refused Howley’s demands, Howley pulled out a knife and repeatedly slashed the victim’s face, neck, chest and hands. The victim, in an effort to stop Howley in the attack, saw a pipe on the ground and struck him with it. Howley fled the scene eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike.

The victim, who police say was seriously injured with numerous lacerations and stab wounds, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. While at the hospital, the victim saw Howley, who was also there for treatment. The victim pointed Howley out to the police and he, Howley, was arrested.

A subsequent investigation by detectives revealed that Howley, after fleeing the scene, had also thrown a brick through the store front glass window of Smart Star Gas Station, on Hempstead Turnpike, in Franklin Square.

Howley is charged with first-degree assault, two counts of first-degree attempted robbery, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal mischief. He was arraigned in First District Court, in Hempstead, on Oct. 14.