ELMONT, NY – An assault investigation by the Fifth Squad of the Nassau County Police Department has led to an arrest nearly five years after a woman was seriously injured outside her home in Elmont.
Police say the incident occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, as a 21-year-old woman was walking in the driveway of her Arlington Avenue residence. Detectives reported that an unknown male approached the victim from behind and threw a dark-colored substance from a white cup into her face before fleeing eastbound on Arlington Avenue.
The victim suffered serious physical injuries and was transported by police ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she received medical treatment.
At the time of the attack, the suspect was described as a male approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall with a thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and gloves.
Following a lengthy investigation, Fifth Precinct detectives announced the arrest of Terrell Campbell, 29, of Brooklyn, in connection with the assault. Authorities said Campbell, who resides on Drew Street, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Assault in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, and Unlawful Possession of Noxious Matter.
Noxious matter is a legal term used to describe any substance that can cause harm, injury, irritation, or illness to a person when it comes into contact with the body.
In New York criminal law, it typically refers to toxic, corrosive, or chemically irritating substances such as acids, caustic chemicals, or other harmful liquids that can cause burns, breathing problems, or serious physical injury. The exact substance does not always need to be publicly identified for the charge to apply; what matters is that it was capable of causing harm and was used unlawfully against another person. In cases like this, the charge generally reflects allegations that a dangerous substance was deliberately used as a weapon rather than an everyday object.
Campbell was arraigned on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at First District Court, located at 99 Main Street.
Police continue to ask anyone with information related to the case to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Key Facts and Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Assault |
| Date & Time | March 17, 2021 at approximately 8:15 p.m. |
| Location | Arlington Avenue, Elmont |
| Victim | 21-year-old female |
| Incident Summary | Victim was approached from behind and had a dark-colored substance thrown into her face from a white cup |
| Suspect Action | Fled eastbound on Arlington Avenue |
| Victim Condition | Sustained serious physical injuries; transported to a local hospital |
| Suspect Description (Initial) | Male, approx. 6’2”, thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with hood and gloves |
| Arrest Made | Yes |
| Defendant | Terrell Campbell, 29, of Brooklyn |
| Charges | Assault 1st Degree (2 counts), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Unlawful Possession of Noxious Matter |
| Arraignment Date | February 10, 2026 |
| Court | First District Court, Hempstead, NY |
| Investigating Unit | Nassau County Police Department – Fifth Squad |
| Tip Line | Nassau County Crime Stoppers: 1-800-244-TIPS (Anonymous) |
