KINGSTON – A 41-year-old Kingston man has been charged with slashing a 68-year-old employee of the First Capitol Barbershop Salon at 591 Broadway in Kingston, causing a severe wound to his abdomen.
The victim was transported by Kingston Fire Department ambulance to the HealthAlliance Hospital emergency room and underwent emergency surgery following the Thursday evening, April 25 assault.
The victim was reported afterward in serious condition but expected to make a full recovery.
Shortly before the victim was located nearby, a state trooper observed Gunercindo Diaz-Diaz with a knife in his hand and holding it to his own throat appearing to be threatening to harm himself.
Police said he cut his own neck causing a minor laceration.
The trooper used a Taser to subdue Diaz-Diaz and placed him in handcuffs for his own safety.
Kingston officers then arrived and assisted in providing first aid to him.
A short time later, police located the barbershop worker who had been assaulted.
At about midnight, Diaz-Diaz was released from the hospital and arrested by Kingston Police on charges of armed assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Police said the investigation is continuing, although no other suspects are expected to be charged and there is no danger to the public from the incident.
