Lynbrook man arrested in carjacking incident

A Lynbrook man was arrested on Wednesday for repeatedly stabbing a passenger during a carjacking near Roosevelt Field Mall.

According to 3rd squad police, at approximately 10 p.m., a 23-year-old driver of a 2007 Mazda left his friend, 21, in the passenger seat with the engine running as he went into Houston's Restaurant on Old Country Road to pick up his paycheck.

At this time, police said, Damien Armella, 31, of Remsen Street in Lynbrook, allegedly entered the vehicle and began to drive off, asking the victim, ““Are you going to get out?” When the victim refused, Armella brandished a black-handled knife and stabbed the passenger in his face, head and left hand. The victim then opened his door, rolling out of the vehicle while it was still in motion in the parking lot.

The stolen car was later found, and Armella was arrested afterward and charged with one count of 1st degree attempted murder, two counts of 1st degree robbery, two counts of 1st degree assault, one count of 2nd degree robbery, and one count possession of a dangerous weapon.

He was arraigned on Friday, January 27 at the First District Court in Hempstead.

The victim was taken to a local hospital following the incident and treated for stab wounds.