Argument Escalates In Nassau; Woman Threatened With Gun: Police

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A Queens man was arrested for an assault that took place this week and another in June, Nassau police said.

A 43-year-old woman got into a verbal argument with Phillip Mais that escalated to a physical altercation, 35, police said.

Mais forcibly removed the woman from her vehicle, grabbed her around the neck and threatened her with a firearm, authorities said.

The victim, in fear for her life, fled the scene. A short time later, Mais entered the woman's residence and damaged several items, police said. He was located and taken into custody without incident.

The victim refused medical attention.

An investigation revealed that he also assaulted the woman on June 12 in Valley Stream. He struck the victim several times with a closed fist to the face, before smashing her cell phone on the ground, police said.

Mais is charged with second-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree assault, second-degree menacing, criminal obstruction of breathing and two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.

Police said Mais has been arrested five times for various crimes in New York City. He was released from prison in 2021 after serving 10 years for first-degree robbery and attempted murder, police said.