Hempstead Teen Pleads Not Guilty After Stabbing Arrest: Police

HEMPSTEAD, NY. — A 19-year-old man pleaded not guilty to assault and weapon possession charges Friday after police said he stabbed another teen outside a Hempstead deli in November.

Nassau County police said 19-year-old Hempstead resident Darwin Maldonado got into an argument with an unidentified 19-year-old who was walking outside the deli at 12:15 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2025. During the argument, police said Maldonado got off of his e-bike, approached the other 19-year-old and stabbed him in the neck and abdomen, then took off from the scene.

Maldonado was arrested and is charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, police said.

At his arraignment Friday in Nassau District Court, court docuements show Maldonado entered a pair of not guilty pleas, with another appearance scheduled for March 3. His bail was set at $100,000 cash, $250,000 insured bond and $500,000 partially secured bond, court documents show.