Crime & Safety
'God Bless America' Sparks Fight Outside Nassau Bar: Police
Police said a man punched another man after hearing him sing "God Bless America" outside an Island Park bar July 4.
ISLAND PARK, NY — A Valley Stream man was arrested Tuesday after police said he assaulted a man outside a restaurant in Island Park on July 4 after hearing him sing "God Bless America."
According to police, a 38-year-old man was standing outside a seafood restaurant in Island Park at 10:48 p.m. The man was singing "God Bless America" with his friends and approached by Noel Fernandez, 21, of South Brush Road, Valley Stream, police said.
Police said an argument started between the two and Fernandez punched the man in the face, knocking him to the ground. Fernandez then fled the scene, police said.
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The man suffered a head injury from the punch and the fall; police said he injured his neck and got an abrasion on his hand.
Fernandez was arrested Tuesday and charged with third-degree assault. He is scheduled to be arraigned July 8.
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